842t- 


FROM    THE   LIBRARY   OF 
REV.    LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,   D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED    BY    HIM   TO 

THE    LIBRARY   OF 

PRINCETON   THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY 


ScB 


i 
Section 


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Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

Calvin  College 


http://www.archive.org/details/childschristianyOOyong 


THE 


CHILD'S  CHRISTIAN  YEAR: 


HYMNS 


FOR  EVERY 


SUNDAY    AND    HOLY-DAY; 

COMPILED   FOR  THE   USE  OF 

PAROCHIAL    SCHOOLS. 
jTfrst  American,  from  tfjc  Secotrti  lEnQlisl)  Hoftfon: 


LDAPTED  MORE     ESPECIALLY  TO   PASTORAL  AND  DOMESTIC  TEACHINC 


- 


PHILADELPHIA: 
LEA    AND    BLANC  HARD 

1842. 


Hntcrcti  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the 
year  1842,  by  Lea  &  Blanchard,  in  the  Clerk's 
Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  Eastern  District  of 
Pennsylvania. 


Wm.  S.  Young,  Printer. 


PREFACE. 

This  compilation  pretends  to  no  more  than 
to  be  one  among  many  humble,  but  it  is  trust- 
ed, not  unavailing  efforts  which  are  now  being 
made  in  different  quarters,  to  bring  the  whole 
body  of  our  Church's  teaching  more  into  uni- 
son with  the  tone  of  her  Prayer  Book,  and  by 
consequence,  with  that  of  the  Ancient  Univer- 
sal Church.  Besides  its  direct  devotional  use, 
and  the  positive  instruction  to  be  gleaned  from 
it,  the  air  and  manner  of  the  compositions  pre- 
ferred in  it  are  such  as  may  perhaps  be  found 
not  ill  calculated  gradually  to  raise  and  purify 
the  standard  by  which  the  poor  judge  of  reli- 
gious poetry.  The  word  Hymn,  in  their  minds, 
has  been  too  long  associated  with  productions 
both  in  doctrine  and  manner  very  unworthy 
of  that  sacred  name.  It  will  be  something,  if 
in  only  one  parish  we  can  pre-occupy  the  minds 
and  ears  of  the  young  with  strains  of  a  some- 
what higher  mood;  such  as  may  prove  of  real 
use  and  comfort  to  them,  when  recalled  to  their 
memories,  in  whole  or  in  part,  by  the  events  of 
their  after  life,  such  as  they  may  dwell  on  con- 
tinually, and  find  deeper  and  deeper  meanings 


IV  PREFACE. 

in  them  as  they  grow  older,  and  consult  their 
own  consciences  more. 

The  subject  is  perhaps  not  quite  proper  to  be 
touched  on  in  the  Preface  to  such  a  work,  yet 
it  may  be  worth  suggesting,  whether  attention 
to  this  part  of  education  may  not  do  much,  un- 
der God's  blessing,  towards  preparing  another 
generation  for  something  like  a  revival  of  Dis- 
cipline;— the  only  Church  Reform  which  can 
really  deserve  the  name; — as  things  are  at  pre- 
sent, to  speak  of  such  a  thing  sounds  almost  like 
talk  in  a  dream :  yet  if  the  well-disposed  of  our 
young  people  were  trained  up  in  the  tone  of  the 
ancient  Church,  were  taught  to  sympathize  with 
her,  and  to  look  to  her,  for  sympathy,  the  spirit 
of  discipline,  it  would  seem,  could  not  fail  to 
revive,  and  what  are  now  mere  forms  would 
again  take  to  themselves  power.  This  little 
book  may  be  regarded  as  an  experiment  on  a 
very  small  scale,  tending,  however  remotely? 
towards  that  good  end. 

J.  K. 

Hursley,  Nov.  6,  1841. 


ADVERTISEMENT. 

The  first  impression  on  looking  over  this 
little  book,  will  probably  be  that  the  hymns 
are  too  difficult,  yet  it  is  hoped  they  will  not 
be  thrown  aside  without  a  trial,  nor  without 
Being  read  in  connexion  with  the  services  of 
the  day,  which  will  often  be  found  to  clear  up 
what  otherwise  appears  obscure. 

It  should  likewise  be  considered  that  such 
subjects  cannot  be  lowered  to  the  level  of  child- 
ish minds  without  more  or  less  of  irreverence; 
and  if  we  observe  the  Church's  method  of  teach- 
ing, we  shall  find  that  she  places  in  the  memo- 
ries of  her  young  members  a  form  of  sound 
words,  the  full  understanding  of  which  neither 
they  nor  their  teachers  can  arrive  at. 

In  the  school  for  which  the  hymns  were  col- 
lected, they  have  been  found  useful  in  leading 
to  questions  and  explanations,  and  the  demand 
for  them  is  such  as  to  make  the  supply  in  manu- 
script rather  troublesome. 

About  a  third  of  the  hymns  are  hitherto  un- 
published; for  the  far  larger  and  more  valuable 
part  of  these,  sincere  thanks  are  due  to  the  wi- 
dow of  the  regretted  author  of  them,  the  late 
Rev.  Joseph  Anstice,  of  King's  College,  Lon* 
don. 


*#*  Throughout  the  volume  the  notes  of  the  American 
Editor  are  enclosed  in  brackets. 


INTRODUCTION 

TO  THE  AMERICAN  EDITION. 

"The  Christian  Year  "has  taken 
its  place  among  our  household  books. 
It  is  no  ordinary  omen  for  good,  that 
such  a  book  has  won  its  way  in  this  our 
age.  The  hearth  by  which  it  finds  a 
home  would  bid  an  angel  welcome. 
The  heart  that  is  in  tune  with  its  devo- 
tion is  in  training  for  the  symphonies 
of  saints. 

"The  Child's  Christian  Year"  should 
not  be  held  to  answer  strictly  for  the  ex- 
pectation naturally  created  by  its  prede- 
cessor. The  author,  in  the  one  instance, 
is  but  the  compiler,  in  the  other :  and, 
as  his  modest  preface  and  advertisement 
will  show,  has  literally  sought  to  make 
it  a  "Christian  Year,"  for  children. 
Every  one  knows  the  aptitude  of  the 
youthful  ear  for  rhymes;  and  how  much 
they  help  the  entrance  to  the  youthful 
heart.     To  provide  for  the  children  of 


Vlll     INTRODUCTION  TO  THE  AMERICAN  EDITION. 

his  own  parish  a  set  of  hymns,  which 
should  be  an  accompaniment  to  the 
Prayer  Book,  in  its  round  of  annual 
teaching,  and  show  its  constant  harmo- 
ny  with  Holy  Scripture; — and,  that  this 
might  be  more  truthful  and  more  tho- 
rough, to  furnish  hymns  which  wTould 
suggest  questions,  and  bear  explana- 
tions, and  instruct  the  mind,  while  they 
engage  the  heart, — has  been  his  wdiole 
ambition.  Faithful  pastors,  judicious 
teachers,  devoted  parents,  will  be  thank- 
ful that  the  Hursley  manuscripts  have 
now  been  made  available  for  general  use. 
They  will  subserve  materially,  if  He 
vouchsafe  his  blessing,  that  most  impor- 
tant and  engraginp:  office  of  the  Church, 
the  training  of  her  Saviour's  children 
for  the  heritage,  which  He  has  pur- 
chased for  them,  of  immortal  glory. 

G.  W.  D. 

Riverside,  Eve  of  the  Ascension,  1842. 


CHILD'S  CHRISTIAN  YEAR: 


SUNDAY  MORNING  HYMN. 

Keep  tby  foot  when  thou  goest  to  the  house  of  God,  and 
be  more  ready  to  hear,  than  to  give  the  sacrifice  of  fools. 

Eccles.  v.  1. 
Lord,  by  Thee  in  safety  borne 
To  another  Sabbath  morn, 
Once  again,  our  pilgrim  feet, 
In  thy  peaceful  temple  meet. 

As  we  pass  the  hallowed  porch, 

From  our  hearts  the  world  exclude, 
On  the  quiet  of  Thy  Church, 

Let  not  earth-born  thought  intrude, 

Meet  it  is  that  we  begin1 
With  acknowledgment  of  sin; 
Such  unfeign'd  repentance  teach  us, 
That  Thine  absolution  reach  us. 

Then  on  David's  sweetest  strain, 
All  our  varied  notes  employ; 

[1   This  and  the  following  stanza  sketch  the    outline 
of  the  daily  service,  in  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer.—* 
G.  W.  D.] 
2 


14  SUNDAY  EVENING  HYMN. 

Let  not  round  us  float  in  vain, 
Prayer  of  anguish,  hymn  of  joy. 

Lead  our  spirits  up  to  Thee, 
Through  our  fervent  Litany; 
Nerve  us  when  we  chant  our  Creed, 
For  its  glorious  truths  to  bleed. 

Lord,  Thy  special  grace  we  seek 

On  Thy  Gospel's  Minister; 
Teach  Thy  servant  how  to  speak, 
Teach  Thy  people  how  to  hear. 

Banish  roving  fancies  far; 
Tune  afresh  the  souls  that  jar; 
Bid  to-day  its  influence  shed, 
'Till  the  coming  week  be  fled. 
We  must  answer  for  to-day, 

For  its  service  and  its  rest; 
Give  us  grace  to  praise  and  pray, 
Grace  to  love  Thee,  and  be  blest. 

Remember  the  Sabbath  day,  to  keep  it  holy. 

Exodus  xx. 


SUNDAY  EVENING  HYMN. 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  doeth  this,  and  the  son  of  man 
that  layeth  hold  on  it;  that  keepeth  the  Sabbath  from 
polluting  it,  and  keepeth  his  hand  from  doing  any  evil. 

Isaiah  lvi.  2. 

Soon  will  the  evening  star,  with  silver  ray, 
Shed  its  mild  influence  o'er  this  sacred  day; 


SUNDAY  EVENING  HYMN.  15 

Resume  we  then,  ere  sleep  and  silence  reign, 
The  rites  that  holiness  and  Heaven  ordain. 

Still  let  each  awful  truth  our  thoughts  engage, 
That  shines  revealed,  in  Inspiration's  page; 
Nor  be  those  hours  in  vain  amusements  past, 
Which  all  who  lavish,  shall  lament  at  last. 
Here,  humbly  let  us  seek  Almighty  grace 
With  blessings  meet,  to  crown  our  weekly  race; 
Here  join,  to  greet  our  Lord's  returning  days 
With  prayer,  with  penitence,  and  duteous  praise. 

Saviour  of  men,  in  whom  our  hopes  confide, 
Whose  power  defends  us,  and  whose   precepts 

guide; 
In  life  our  guardian,  and  in  death  our  friend, 
Glory  supreme  to  Thee,  till  time  shall  end  ! 

If  thou  turn  away  thy  foot  from  the  Sabbath,  from  doing 
thy  pleasure  on  My  holy  day ;  and  call  the  Sabbath  a 
delight,  the  holy  of  the  Lord,  honourable;  and  shalt 
honour  Him,  not  doing  thine  own  ways,  nor  finding 
thine  own  pleasure,  nor  speaking  thine  own  words  : 

Then  shalt  thou  delight  thyself  in  the  Lord. 

Isaiah  lviii.  13. 


16  MORNING  HYMN. 


MORNING  HYMN. 

Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and 
with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  mind. 

This  is  the  first  and  great  commandment. 

And  the  second  is  like  unto  it,  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neigh- 
bour as  thyself. 

St.  Matthew  xxii.  37,  38, 

Again,  O  Lord,  I  ope  my  eyes 

Thy  glorious  light  to  see, 
And  share  the  gifts  so  largely  lent 

To  thankless  man,  by  Thee. 

And  why  has  God  o'er  me  this  night 
The  watch  so  kindly  kept  ? 

And  why  have  I  so  safely  waked, 
And  why  so  sweetly  slept? 

And  wherefore  do  I  live  and  breathe  ? 

And  wherefore  have  I  still 
The  mind  to  know,  the  sense  to  choose, 

The  strength  to  do  Thy  will  ? 

Is  it  to  waste  another  day 

In  folly,  sin,  and  shame  ? 
To  give  to  these  my  heart  and  hand, 

And  spurn  my  Maker's  claim  ? 

Is  it  for  honour,  wealth,  or  power, 
My  heaven-born  soul  to  sell  ? 

Is  it  to  grasp  at  pleasure's  flowers 
Upon  the  brink  of  hell  ? 


EVENING  HYMN.  17 

Is  it  to  grow  unto  the  world 

As  glides  the  world  from  me : 

Be  one  day  nearer  to  the  grave, 

And  farther,  Lord,  from  Thee  ? 

No!  thus  too  many  days  I've  spent, 
To  Thee,  then,  this  be  given; 

Teach  what  I  owe  to  man  below, 
And  to  Thyself  in  heaven. 

O  bring  me  to  my  Saviour's  Cross 

For  mercy  for  the  past : 
And  make  me  live  the  coming  day 

As  if  it  were  my  last ! 

So  teach  us  to  number  our  days,  that  we  may  apply  our 
hearts  unto  wisdom. 

Psalm  xc.  12. 


EVENING  HYMN. 

Thou  art  about  my  path,  and  about  my  bed  :  and  spiest 
out  all  my  ways. 

Psalm  cxxxix.  2. 

Father !  by  Thy  love  and  power 
Comes  again  the  evening  hour. 
Light  has  vanished,  labours  cease, 
Weary  creatures  rest  in  peace. 
Thou  whose  genial  dews  distil 

On  the  lowliest  weed  that  grows; 
Father !  guard  our  couch  from  ill, 

Lull  Thy  creatures  to  repose. 
We  to  Thee  ourselves  resign, 
Let  our  latest  thoughts  be  Thine  ! 


18  EVENING  HYMN. 

Saviour  !  to  Thy  Father  bear 
This,  our  feeble  evening  prayer; 
Thou  hast  seen  how  oft  to-day, 
We,  like  sheep,  have  gone  astray; 
Worldly  thoughts,  and  thoughts  of  pride, 

Wishes  to  Thy  Cross  untrue, 
Secret  faults,  and  undescried, 

Meet  Thy  spirit-piercing  view: 
Blessed  Saviour !  yet  through  Thee, 
Pray  that  these  may  pardoned  be  ! 

Holy  Spirit !  breath  of  balm  ! 
Fall  on  us  in  evening's  calm: 
Yet,  awhile,  before  we  sleep, 
We,  with  Thee,  will  vigils  keep; 
Lead  us  on  our  sins  to  muse, 

Give  us  truest  penitence, 
Then  the  love  of  God  infuse, 

Breathing  humble  confidence; 
Melt  our  spirits,  mould  our  will, 
Soften,  strengthen,  comfort,  still ! 

Blessed  Trinity!  be  near 
Through  the  hours  of  darkness  drear; 
When  the  help  of  man  is  far, 
Ye  more  clearly  present  are; 
Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost, 

Watch  o'er  our  defenceless  head  ! 
Let  your  Angel's  guardian  host 

Keep  all  evil  from  our  bed, 


ADVENT  SUNDAY.  19 

'Till  the  flood  of  morning  rays, 
Wake  us  to  a  song  of  praise  ! 

I  will  lay  me  down  in  peace,  and  take  my  rest :  for  it  is 
Thou,  Lord,  only,  that  makest  me  dwell  in  safety. 

Psalm  iv.  9, 


ADVENT  SUNDAY.1 

Who  shall  ascend  into  the  hill  of  the  Lord:  or  who 
shall  rise  up  in  His  Holy  place  ? 

Psalm  xxiv.  3. 

Put  far  from  us,  O  Lord,  we  pray, 
Of  darkness  the  unfruitful  deeds,3 

And  keep  us  safely  in  the  way 
That  to  Thy  holy  presence  leads. 

[!This  hymn  may  be  taken  to  illustrate  the  mode  of 
carrying  out  the  suggestion  of  the  third  paragraph  of 
Mr.  Keble's  advertisement.  In  this  way,  each  hymn,  be- 
sides being  committed  to  memory,  may  be  made  a  most 
interesting  and  useful  exercise  in  pastoral  or  domestic 
teaching.  The  number  of  questions  may  be  greatly  mul- 
tiplied. In  connexion  with  each  hymn,  the  occasion  and 
uses  of  the  day  should  be  fully  inquired  into.  As,  what 
is  the  meaning  of  advent?  Whose  advent  does  it  cele- 
brate? For  what  purpose  was  the  first  advent?  For 
what  will  be  the  second  ?  And  so  on.  To  the  hymns 
which  follow,  only  a  question  now  and  then  is  added,  by 
way  of  sample.] 

[2To  what  part  of  the  collect  for  the  day  do  these  lines 
refer?     On  what  words  of  scripture  is  it  founded?] 


20  ADVENT  SUNDAY. 

Each  one  of  us  has  duly  sworn1 

Against  the  crafty  foe  to  fight 
Beneath  the  Cross's  banner,  borne9 

By  Him  who  darkness  changed  to  light. 

He  that  right  manfully  would  stand 
The  devil,  world,  and  flesh  to  quell;8 

Keeps  anxious  watch  on  either  hand, 
In  his  Lord's  armour,  fenced  well.4 

The  shield  of  faith  is  o'er  him  spread, 
To  guard  from  Satan's  fiery  dart, 

Salvation's  helmet  keeps  his  head, 
And  righteousness  protects  his  heart. 

The  girdle  of  his  loins,  is  truth, 

His  sword,  the  piercing  word  of  God; 

He  thus  sets  forth  in  earliest  youth, 

The  way  God's  Saints  before  have  trod.5 

And  he  proceeds  from  strength  to  strength 
Forgetting  all  the  trials  past,6 

[1  When  ?] 

[2To  what  part  of  the  baptismal  service  does  this  line 
refer  ?] 

[3  Repeat  the  part  of  the  catechism  to  which  this  line 
alludes.] 

[4  What  is  the  "armour  *'  here  alluded  to  called  in  the 
collect  for  the  day  ?] 

[5  In  what  portion  of  holy  scripture  is  the  Christian's 
armour  described  ?     Repeat  the  words.] 

[6  In  which  of  St.  Paul's  Epistles  does  he  speak  of 
<<  forgetting  those  things  which  are  behind  ?"] 


SECOND  SUNDAY  IN  ADVENT.  21 

His  eye  still  fix'd,  where  he  at  length 
May  hope  eternal  rest  at  last. 

Collect. 

They  will  go  from  strength  to  strength;  and  unto  the 
God  of  gods  appeareth  every  one  of  them  in  Sion. 

Psalm  lxxxiv.  7. 


SECOND  SUNDAY  IN  ADVENT. 

Yet  I  had  planted  thee  a  noble  vine,  wholly  a  right 

seed:  how  then  art  thou  turned  into  the  degenerate  plant 

of  a  strange  vine  unto  Me? 

Jeremiah  ii.  21. 

And  is  the  day  of  mercy  set 

On  Israel's  fallen  line? 
And  canst  Thou,  gracious  Lord,  forget 

Thy  long  regarded  Vine? 
Thy  Vine,  which  erst  from  Misraim's1  sands 

To  Canaan's  fostering  dew, 
Transported  by  Thy  tender  hands, 

So  fair,  so  fruitful  grew. 

Like  goodliest  cedars,  wide  and  vast, 

Around,  her  arms  were  spread, 
Deep  in  the  rock  her  roots  she  cast, 

To  Heaven  she  rear'd  her  head. 

[I  What  is  meant  by  Misraimr] 


22  THIRD  SUNDAY  IN  ADVENT. 

Her  fruits,  from  farthest  east  to  west, 

With  wonder,  Kings  survey'd, 
And  earth,  and  earth's  glad  sons  were  blest, 

Beneath  her  cooling  shade. 

Alas!  where  once  in  joy  she  stood, 

Her  fences  now  are  bare, 
And  boars,  and  monsters  of  the  wood, 

Her  rifled  clusters  tear. 
Then  turn  Thee,  Lord,  and  from  above 

Once  more  in  mercy  shine, 
With  looks  of  pity  and  of  love 

Regard  Thy  fallen  Vine.1 

First  Lesson.  Morning. 

Abide  in  Me,  and  I  in  you.  As  the  branch  cannot  bear 
fruit  of  itself,  except  it  abide  in  the  vine;  no  more  can 
ye,  except  ye  abide  in  Me. 

I  am  the  vine,  ye  are  the  branches,  he  that  abideth  in 
Me,  and  I  in  him,  the  same  bringeth  forth  much  fruit; 
for  without  Me,  ye  can  do  nothing. 

St.  John  xv.  4,  5. 


THIRD  SUNDAY  IN  ADVENT. 

And  he  shall  go  before  Him  in  the  spirit  and  power  of 
Elias,  to  turn  the  hearts  of  the  fathers  to  the  children, 
and  the  disobedient  to  the  wisdom  of  the  just;  to  make 
ready  a  people  prepared  for  the  Lord. 

St.  Luke  i.  17. 

[l  Repeat  the  verses  of  the  psalm  on  which  this  hymn 
is  founded.] 


THIRD  SUNDAY  IN  ADVENT.  23 

Behold  a  Prophet,1 — yea  and  more! 

He  dwells  in  solitude, 
His  food  is  but  the  wild  bee's  store, 

His  raiment  coarse  and  rude.3 

With  water  he  baptizes  there, 
To  cleanse  mankind  from  sin; 

Yea,  rather,  doth  the  way  prepare 
For  purity  within. 

He  who  comes  after,  doth  baptize 

With  Spirit  and  with  fire 
All  those  who  to  the  glorious  prize 

Of  happiness  aspire. 

And  He  again  to  earth  will  come 

When  the  world's  trial  ends: 
But  first,  to  call  the  wanderers  home, 

His  Ministers  He  sends. 

O  may  they  so  prepare  His  way 

That  we  be  faithful  found, 
Leaning  on  Him,  our  Hope  and  stay, 

When  the  last  trump  shall  sound  ! 

Gospel  and  Collect. 

I,  indeed,  baptize  you  with  water; — He  shall  baptize 
you  with  the  Holy  Ghost  and  with  fire. 

St.  Luke  iii.  16. 
[l  Who?] 
[2  From  what  scripture  is  this  learned?] 


24        FOURTH  SUNDAY  IN  ADVENT. 


FOURTH  SUNDAY  IN  ADVENT. 

But  the  Lord  is  ray  defence,  and  my  God  is  the  rock 
of  ray  refuge. 

Psalm  xciv.  22. 

A  mighty  river  flowing 

Through  dry  and  herbless  sand; 
A  rock,  its  shadow  throwing 

Across  a  weary  land; 
Such,  blessed  Saviour,  now, 
While  in  noon-day  heat  we  toil, 
Through  life's  parch'd  and  barren  soil, 
Such  to  Thy  Church  art  Thou. 

A  covert  from  the  beating 

Of  stormy  wind  and  rain, 
The  way-worn  pilgrim  greeting 

On  some  bleak  wintry  plain; — 
Such  is  Thy  Cross's  shade; 
There  while  round  God's  judgments  sweep, 
Calm,  as  in  health's  sweetest  sleep, 
Thy  faithful  ones  are  laid. 

When  thorns,  where  vintage  faileth, 

In  pleasant  places  grow; 
When  on  the  wood  it  haileth; 

When  lies  the  city  low; 


CHRISTMAS  DAY.  25 

Sure  home  shall  still  be  theirs: 
Still  the  work  of  righteousness 
Shall  be  peace  and  quietness 

In  all  Thy  Kingdom's  heirs.1 

First  Lesson.2  Evening. 

Although  the  fig  tree  shall  not  blossom,  neither  shall 
fruit  be  in  the  vines;  the  labour  of  the  olive  shall  fail, 
and  the  fields  shall  yield  no  meat:  the  flocks  shall  be  cut 
off  from  the  fold,  and  there  shall  be  no  herd  in  the  stalls: 
yet  I  will  rejoice  in  the  Lord:  I  will  joy  in  the  God  of 
my  salvation. 

Habakkuk  iii.  17,  18. 


-.' 


CHRISTMAS  DAY. 

It  shall  bruise  thy  head,  and  thou  shalt  bruise  His  heel. 

Genesis  iii.  15. 

O  Lord,  to-day,  for  Thy  dear  sake 
Our  souls  to  glad  thanksgiving  wake; 
In  all  Thy  faithful  hearts  below 
Bid  joys  of  spring  eternal  glow, 
And  every  primal  curse  grow  light, 
By  thinking  on  Thy  blest  birth-night. 

"  In  sorrow  shalt  thou  toil  for  bread;" 
So  upon  man  the  doom  was  said; 

p  How  did  they  become  heirs  of  the  kingdom?] 
[2  Turn  to  it,  and  read  it.] 


26  CHRISTMAS  DAY. 

To  labouring  men  amid  the  field, 
First  was  the  holy  Babe  revealed; 
And  labour  now  shall  lighter  be, 
So  soothed  and  hallowed,  Lord,  by  Thee. 

*'In  sorrow  shalt  thou  children  bear,"— 
Of  such  a  doom  is  woman  heir; 
But  God,  by  that  one  glorious  birth, 
Our  nature  took,  and  dwelt  on  earth; 
Mothers  no  more  their  pangs  shall  blame, 
By  which  the  world's  Redeemer  came. 

"  Ye  for  your  sins  shall  surely  die," — 
All  men  beneath  this  sentence  lie; 
But  He  who  came  this  day  to  save, 
He  fought  with  death,  He  burst  the  grave, 
And  when  He  vanquished  in  the  strife. 
Then  death  became  the  gate  of  life. 

O  light'ner  of  our  daily  load ! 

O  guide  on  our  eternal  road ! 

O  offering  for  the  guilty  soul ! 

O  strong  to  make  the  sinner  whole ! 

O  born  sin's  curses  to  remove. 

Teach  us,  blest  Saviour,  teach  Thy  love ! 

He  that  spared  not  His  own  Son,  but  delivered  Him  up 
for  us  all,  how  shall  He  not  with  Him  also  freely  give  us 
all  things? 

Rom.  viii.  32. 


CHRISTMAS  DAY.  27 


CHRISTMAS  DAY. 

Unto  you  is  born  this  day  in  the  city  of  David,  a  Sa- 
viour, which  is  Christ  the  Lord. 

St.  Luke  ii.  11. 

Think  on  the  mercy  of  our  God, 

Our  great  Redeemer's  love; 
How  the  dim  waste  of  earth  He  trod, 

And  left  His  throne  above ! 
And  all,  frail  man,  His  foe  to  save, 
And  show  him  hopes  beyond  the  grave. 

He  came  not  in  a  warrior's  path, 

With  mighty  armies  strong; 
He  came  not  as  a  God  in  wrath, 

Avenging  Judah's  wrong: — 
To  preach  on  earth  His  Father's  word, 
A  little  child,  came  Christ  the  Lord. 

Glad  was  our  Saviour's  natal  morn, 

Angels  rejoiced  in  Heaven 
That  "unto  us  a  Child  is  born, 

To  us  a  son  is  given,"1 

[1  What  prophet  uttered  these  words?] 


28 

And  Angels  left  their  home  on  high, 
To  tell  of  Christ's  Nativity. 

And  suddenly  there  was  with  the  Angel  a  multitude  of 
the  Heavenly  host,  praising  God,  and  saying,  Glory  to 
God  in  the  highest,  and  on  earth  peace,  good  will  to- 
ward men, 

St.  Luke  ii.  13, 14. 


ST.  STEPHEN'S  DAY. 

If  any  man  will  come  after  Me,  let  him  deny  himself, 
and  take  up  his  cross,  and  follow  Me.  For  whosoever 
will  save  his  life  shall  lose  it;  and  whosoever  will  lose 
his  life  for  My  sake  shall  find  it. 

St.  Matt.  xvi.  24,  25. 

The  Son  of  God  goes  forth  to  war, 

A  Kingly  Crown  to  gain: 
His  blood-red  banner  streams  afar — 

Who  follows  in  His  train? 

Who  best  can  drink  his  cup  of  wo 

Triumphant  over  pain; 
Who  patient  bears  his  cross  below; 

He  follows  in  His  train. 

The  martyr  first,  whose  eagle  eye 

Could  pierce  beyond  the  grave; 
Who  saw  his  Master  in  the  sky, 

And  called  on  Him  to  save. 


st.  Stephen's  day.  29 

Like  him,  with  pardon  on  his  tongue 

In  midst  of  mortal  pain, 
He  prayed  for  them  that  did  the  wrong — * 

Who  follows  in  his  train  ? 

A  glorious  band,  the  chosen  few 

On  whom  the  Spirit  came; 
Twelve  valiant  Saints,  their  hopes  they  knew, 

And  mocked  the  cross  and  flame. 

They  met  the  tyrant's  brandished  steel, 

The  lion's  gory  mane; 
They  bow'd  their  necks  the  death  to  feel — 

Who  follows  in  their  train? 

A  noble  army — men  and  boys, 

The  matron  and  the  maid, 
Around  their  Saviour's  throne  rejoice, 

In  robes  of  light  array'd. 

They  climbed  the  steep  ascent  of  Heaven, 

Through  peril,  toil,  and  pain; 
O  God !  to  us  may  grace  be  given, 

To  follow  in  their  train ! 

These  are  they  which  came  out  of  great  tribulation, 
and  have  washed  their  robes,  and  made  them  white  in 
the  Blood  of  the  Lamb. 

Rey.  vii.  14. 

[J  What  were  his  words? — What  like  words  did  Jesus 
utter?] 


30  ST.  JOHN  THE  EVANGELIST'S  DAY. 


ST.  JOHN  THE  EVANGELIST'S  DAY. 

I  John,  who  also  am  your  brother,  and  companion  in 
tribulation,  and  in  the  kingdom  and  patience  of  Jesus 
Christ,  was  in  the  isle  that  is  called  Patmos,  for  the  Word 
of  God,  and  for  the  testimony  of  Jesus  Christ.  I  was  in 
the  Spirit  on  the  Lord's  Day,  and  heard  behind  me  a 
great  voice,  as  of  a  trumpet,  saying,  I  am  Alpha  and 
Omega,  the  first  and  the  last:  and,  What  thou  seest,  write 
in  a  book,  and  send  it  unto  the  seven  Churches. 

Rev.  i.  9— 11. 

John,  by  a  tyrant's  stern  command,  ' 
Is  exil'd  on  a  sea-girt  strand; 
But  his  free  spirit  takes  her  flight 
Into  the  regions  of  the  light. 

And  there,  his  awe-struck  soul  before, 
He  stands  Who  lives  for  evermore; 
Who  as  a  Lamb  gave  up  His  breath, 
And  as  a  Lion  vanquished  death. 

And  now,  before  his  ravished  eyes, 
He  brings  His  kingdom's  mysteries; 
The  faith  sown  by  His  martyrs'  blood,1 
Covering  the  nations  like  a  flood. 

[1  The  blood  of  the  martyrs,  the  seed  of  the  church.] 


THE  INNOCENT'S  DAY.  31 

Our  power  baptismal,  Lord,  revive, 
With  Thee  to  die,  with  Thee  to  live; 
To  tread  on  earthly  things,  and  love 
The  better  things  that  are  above ! 

Little  children,  keep  yourselves  from  idols.    Amen. 

1  John  v.  21. 


THE  INNOCENTS'  DAY. 

In  Raman  was  there  a  voice  heard,  lamentation  and 
weeping  and  great  mourning.l 

St.  Matthew  ii.  18, 

Bethlehem,  above  all  cities  blest! 
Th'  Incarnate  Saviour's  earthly  rest, 
Where  in  His  manger  safe  He  lay, 
By  Angels  guarded  night  and  day. 

Bethlehem,  of  cities  most  forlorn, 
Where  in  the  dust  sad  mothers  mourn, 
Nor  see  the  Heavenly  glory  shed 
On  each  pale  infant's  martyr'd  head. 

'Tis  ever  thus:  who  Christ  would  win, 
Must  in  the  school  of  wo  begin; 
And  still  the  nearest  to  His  grace, 
Know  least  of  their  own  glorious  place. 

Of  such  is  the  Kingdom  of  God. 

St.  Luke  xviii,  16. 
[1  From  which  of  the  Prophets  is  this  taken?] 


32  SUNDAY  AFTER  CHRISTMAS. 


SUNDAY  AFTER  CHRISTMAS. 

Praise  the  Lord,  O  my  soul:  while  I  live  will  I  praise 
the  Lord :  yea,  as  long  as  I  have  any  being,  1  will  sing 
praises  unto  my  God. 

Psalm  cxlvii.  I. 

When  all  Thy  mercies,  O  my  God,1 

My  rising  soul  surveys; 
Transported  with  the  view,  I'm  lost 

In  wonder,  love,  and  praise: 

Ere  yet  my  feeble  thoughts  had  learnt 
To  form  themselves  in  prayer, 

To  all  my  weak  complaints  and  cries 
Thy  mercy  lent  an  ear. 

When  worn  with  sickness,  oft  hast  Thou 
With  health  renewed  my  face; 

And  when  in  sin  and  sorrow  sunk, 
Revived  my  soul  with  grace. 

Ten  thousand  thousand  precious  gifts 

My  daily  thanks  employ; 
Nor  is  the  least  a  cheerful  heart, 

That  tastes  those  gifts  with  joy. 

[lThe  venerable  Bishop  White,  on  his  death-bed,  in 
his  eighty-ninth  year,  said  of  it,  "  That  beautiful  hymn 
of  Addison's  has  been  a  favourite  with  me  all  my  life."] 


CIRCUMCISION.  33 

Through  every  period  of  my  life 

Thy  goodness  I'll  pursue; 
And  after  death,  in  distant  worlds 

May  I  the  theme  renew. 

Through  all  eternity  to  Thee 

A  joyful  song  I'll  raise — 
For  0!  eternity's  too  short 

To  utter  all  Thy  praise ! 

Glory  to  God  in  the  highest. 

St.  Luke  ii.  14 


CIRCUMCISION. 


And  thou  shalt  call  His  Name  Jesus:  for  He  shall  save 
His  people  from  their  sins. 

St.  Matthew  i.  21. 

Eight  days  amid  this  world  of  wo 

The  holy  Babe  has  been; 
Long  named  in  Heaven,  He  now  must  go 
To  take  that  name  on  Him  below — 

Jesus,  who  saves  from  sin. 

His  Mother  kept  the  Angel's  word 
Deep  in  her  bosom's  store; 


34  CIRCUMCISION. 

But  most,  by  fear  and  love  unstirred^ 
Unconscious  of  its  meaning,  heard 
The  name  the  Infant  bore. 

The  traitor  sought  Him  by  that  name, 

When  all  the  murderous  crew 
With  swords  and  staves  against  Him  came: 
And  on  the  cross,  the  place  of  shame, 

That  name  was  fixed  in  view. 

Yet  in  His  hour  of  glory,  now, 

That  precious  name  is  given 
Above  all  names  to  deck  his  brow; 
And  at  the  name  of  Jesus,  bow 

The  powers  and  thrones  of  Heaven. 

Worthy  art  Thou  o'er  us  to  reign, 

O  Christ,  for  evermore; 
Thou,  who  for  us  didst  not  disdain 
That  sinners  should  that  name  profane 

Which  Seraphim  adore ! 

Gospel. 

That  at  the  Name  of  Jesus  every  knee  should  bow. 

Phil.  ii.  10. 


EFIPIIANY.  35 


EPIPHANY.1 


A  light  to   lighten  the  Gentiles,  and  the  glory  of  Thy 
people  Israel. 

St.  Luke  ii.  32. 

From  princely  walls  in  eastern  pomp  arrayed, 
They  seek  the  distant  Bethlehem's  lowly  shade; 
Faith  leads  the  way,  and  gathers  light,  and  now 
Leans  upon  Hope,  which  strengthens  as  they  go, 

What  gladness  crowned  their  steps,  as  now  to  view 
The  Heavenly  messenger  appeared  anew ! 
And  o'er  the  roof,  the  star,  descending  mild, 
Showed,  in  His  Mother's  arms,  the  holy  Child ! 

But  yet,  no  ivory  here,  no  glowing  gold, 

No  purple  royalties  the  Babe  enfold; 

His  palace-hall — a  stable's  solitude, 

His  regal  throne — a  manger,  dark  and  rude ! 

Lo,  at  His  humble  cradle  on  bent  knee, 
They  in  the  Child  adore  the  Deity! 
And  to  that  Child,  us  of  that  Gentile  seed, 
And  to  that  humble  cradle,  Faith  shall  lead. 

Love,  is  the  gold,  meet  offering  for  a  King: 
Myrrh,  to  the  Son  of  Man,  shall  abstinence  bring; 

[!  What  is  the  meaning  of  this  word?] 


36  FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY. 

And  prayer  shall  be  the  ascending  frankincense, 
Which  owns  our  God  in  veiled  omnipotence?1 

Collect  and  Gospel. 

Rejoice,  ye  Gentiles,  with  His  people. 

Rom.  xv.  10. 


FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY. 

Christ  also  suffered  for  us,  leaving  us  an  example,  that 
ye  should  follow  His  steps. 

1  Pet.  ii.  21. 

Not  only  as  a  sacrifice 

Our  blessed  Saviour  came, 
But  to  show  forth  how  we  may  live 

In  this  world  free  from  blame. 

Few  are  the  words  to  us  vouchsafed 

To  tell  how  passed  His  time, 
While  He  in  wisdom  grew,  and  height, 

Up  to  His  manhood's  prime. 

Yet  though  but  few,  a  perfect  rule 
They  give,  our  ways  to  guide, 

Obedience  to  our  parents  teach, 
And  love  to  all  beside. 

[1  Which  of  the  Evangelists  records  the  visit  of  the 
Gentile  wise  men  to  the  Infant  Saviour?] 


SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY.         37 

Exactness  to  fulfil  the  Law, 

And  do  our  work  with  zeal, 
But  oh,  how  sadly  we  fall  short, 

We  must  with  anguish  feel. 

O  may  we  strive,  ourselves  to  walk, 

In  His  most  holy  way; 
And  for  God's  help  to  keep  us  right 

Let  us  devoutly  pray. 

Pray  we  for  thankful  hearts  to  feel 

The  value  of  His  gift; 
That,  where  our  Lord  has  gone  before, 

He  may  our  spirits  lift ! 

Gospel. 

And  He  went  down  with  them,  and  came  unto  Naza- 
reth, and  was  subject  unto  them. 

St.  Luke  ii.  51  = 


SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE 
EPIPHANY. 

And  be  not  conformed  to  this  world :  but  be  ye  trans- 
formed by  the  renewing  of  your  mind,  that  ye  may  prove 
what  is  that  good,  and  acceptable,  and  perfect,  will  of  God. 

Romaxs  xii.  2. 

How  shall  a  child  of  God  fulfil 
His  vow  to  cleanse  his  soul  from  ill, 


38        SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY. 

And  raise  on  high  his  baptism-light, 
Like  Aaron's  seed  in  ritual  white, 
And  holy-tempered  Nazarite  ? 

First,  let  him  shun  the  haunts  of  vice. 
Sin-feast,  or  heathen  sacrifice ; 
Fearing  the  board  of  wealthy  pride, 
Or  heretic,  self-trusting  guide, 
Or  where  the  adulterer's  smiles  preside. 

Next,  as  he  threads  the  maze  of  men, 
Aye  must  he  lift  his  witness,  when 
A  sin  is  spoke  in  Heaven's  dread  face, 
And  none  at  hand,  of  higher  grace, 
The  Cross  to  carry  in  his  place. 

But  if  he  hears,  and  sits  him  still, 
First,  he  will  lose  his  hate  of  ill; 
Next,  fear  of  sinning,  after  hate; 
Small  sins  his  heart  then  desecrate; 
And  last,  despair  persuades  to  great. 

Epistle. 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  hath  not  walked  in  the  coun- 
sel of  the  ungodly,  nor  stood  in  the  way  of  sinners,  and 
hath  not  sat  in  the  seat  of  the  scornful.  But  his  delight 
is  in  the  law  of  the  Lord;  and  in  His  law  will  he  exercise 
himself  day  and  night. 

Psalm  i.  1,  2. 


<" 


THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY.    39 


THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE 
EPIPHANY. 

And  the  Spirit  and  the  Bride  say,  Come.  And  let  him 
that  heareth  say,  Come.  And  let  him  that  is  athirst  come. 
And  whosoever  will,  let  him  take  the  water  of  life  freely. 

Rev.  xxii.  17. 

Sweet  is  the  Spirit's  strain, 
Breathed  by  soft  pleadings  inly  heard, 
By  all  the  heart's  deep  fountains  stirred, 
By  conscience,  and  the  written  word; 

"  Come,  wanderers,  home  again." 

The  Bride1  repeats  the  call; 
By  high  thanksgiving,  lowly  prayer, 
By  days  of  rest,  and  fostering  care, 
By  holy  rites  that  all  may  share, 

She  whispers  "  come,"  to  all. 

Let  him  who  hears,  say  "  come:" 
If  thou  hast  been  sin's  wretched  slave, 
If  thou  art  risen  from  that  grave, 
Thy  sleeping  brethren  seek  to  save, 

And  call  the  wanderers  home. 

And  let  all  come  who  thirst: 
Freely  for  every  child  of  wo 

[l  The  Church.] 


40    FOURTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY. 

The  streams  of  living  waters  flow, 
And  whosoever  will,  may  go 

Where  healing  fountains  burst. 

There  drink,  and  be  at  rest. 
On  Him  who  died  for  thee,  believe; 
The  Spirit's  quickening  grace  receive; 
No  more  the  God  who  seeks  thee  grieve; 

Be  holy,  and  be  blest. 

First  Lesson.     Morning.1 

Ho,  every  one  that  thirsteth,  come  ye  to  the  waters. 

Isaiah  lv.  1. 

FOURTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE 
EPIPHANY. 

Lord,  I  have  loved  the  habitation  of  Thy  house,  and 
the  place  where  Thine  honour  dwelleth. 

Psalm  xxvi.  8. 

Lord,  in  this  time  of  sacred  rest, 
When  work-day  cares  no  more  molest, 
When  hushed  awhile  is  this  world's  din, 
And  calm  without  aids  peace  within; — 
Good  Lord!  our  darkened  spirits  bless 
With  the  sweet  light  of  thankfulness! 

[1  Isaiah  lv.  in  the  American  Prayer  Book  it  is  the  first 
lesson  of  the  evening  service.] 


FOURTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY.    41 

For  every  word  of  truth  that  falls 
Within  Thy  Church's  hallowed  walls; 
For  prayers,  to  former  ages  known, 
And  prized  by  Saints  to  glory  gone; 
For  that  Communion  Cup  and  Bread 
Wherewith  Thy  fainting  Church  is  fed; 
That  font,  where,  helpless  yet,  conveyed, 
Children  of  God  our  babes  are  made;1 
Those  graves  around,  which  hold  our  dead, 
Where  words  of  faith  and  hope  are  said; 
For  Him,  who  left  to-day,  the  tomb, 
Our  Saviour  now,  our  judge  to  come; 
For  all  His  merits  bought  for  men, 
Blest  be  the  Lord!  Amen,  Amen! 

First  Lesson.     Afternoon.2 

If  thou  turn  away  thy  foot  from  the  Sabbath,  from  doing 
thy  pleasure  on  My  holy  day;  and  call  the  Sabbath  a  de- 
light, the  holy  of  the  Lord,  honourable;  and  shalt  honour 
Him,  not  doing  thine  own  ways,  nor  finding  thine  own 
pleasure,  nor  speaking  thine  own  words: 

Then  shalt  thou  delight  thyself  in  the  Lord. 

Isaiah  lviii.  13,  14. 

[i  How?] 

[2  In  the  American  Prayer  Book,  it  is  the  first  Lesson 
for  the  morning  service.— Isaiah  lvii.] 


42  FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY. 


FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE 
EPIPHANY. 

The  glory  of  this  latter  house  shall  be  greater  than  of 
the  former,  saith  the  Lord  of  Hosts :  and  in  this  place  will 
I  give  peace,  saith  the  Lord  of  Hosts. 

Haggai  ii.  9. 

When  on  the  second  Temple's  height 
The  Jew  upraised  his  aged  sight, 

How  sank  his  heart  to  see, 
Robb'd  of  its  ancient  pomp  and  pride, 
The  house  where  deign'd  on  earth  to  abide 

His  God's  own  Majesty! 

No  holy  Urim  there  express'd 

Heaven's  purpose  on  the  Prophet's  breast; 

There  the  lov'd  ark  no  more, 
On  mercy's  seat,  presented  Him 
Who  dwelt  between  the  Cherubim 

In  Israel's  tents  of  yore. 

The  consecrated  fire  was  gone: 

The  announcing  light  no  longer  shone 

Around  that  presence  dread: 
And  oh!  what  prayer  could  now  invoke 
The  high  prophetic  voice  that  spoke 

To  Judah's  happier  dead. 


FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY,  43 

Thus  deemed  the  sorrowing  Israelite; 
Ye  Christians  answer,  deemed  he  right? 

Oh!  for  Seraphic  power 
To  flash  conviction  on  the  Jew, 
And  bid  his  soul  exulting  view 

That  Temple's  holiest  hour! 

There  shall  the  true  oracular  sound, 
The  Almighty  voice  of  Christ,  be  found; 

There  shall  the  gracious  Ark, 
Blest  by  the  bleeding  victim,  grant 
A  higher,  ampler  covenant 

To  worlds  in  error  dark. 

There  shall  the  fire  which  darts  from  Heaven, 
The  Spirit's  awful  breath  be  given; 

There  in  corporeal  shrine 
Shall,  the  unerring  records  tell, 
The  fulness  of  the  Godhead  dwell,1 

The  Father's  glory  shine. 

Then,  murmuring  unbelief,  be  dumb — 
Hark!  the  great  Prophet's  accents  come, 
The  Spirit  unconfined! 

[1  What  is  the  text  for  this?] 


44  SIXTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY. 

Yes,  from  the  second  Temple  burst 
Sounds  of  more  love  than  filled  the  first, 
Sounds  of  redeemed  mankind! 

First  Lesson.     Morning.1 

Lord,  now  lettest  Thou  Thy  servant  depart  in  peace, 
for  mine  eyes  have  seen  Thy  salvation. 

St.  Luke  ii.  29,  30. 


SIXTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE 
EPIPHANY. 

Prepare  to  meet  thy  God. 

Amos  iv.  12. 

Great  God!  what  do  I  see  and  hear! 

The  end  of  things  created! 
The  Judge  of  mankind  doth  appear 

On  clouds  of  glory  seated! 
The  trumpet  sounds:  the  graves  restore 
The  dead  which  they  contained  before; 

Prepare,  my  soul,  to  meet  him! 

The  dead  in  Christ  shall  first  arise, 

At  the  last  trumpet  sounding; 
Caught  up  to  meet  Him  in  the  skies, 

With  joy  their  Lord  surrounding. 

\}  fsaiah  lix.  evening  service  of  fourth  Sunday,  Am. 
Pr.  B.] 


SIXTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY.  45 

No  gloomy  fears  their  souls  dismay, 
His  presence  sheds  eternal  day, 

On  those  prepared  to  meet  Him. 
• 
But  sinners  filled  with  guilty  fears 

Behold  His  wrath  prevailing, 
For  they  shall  rise,  and  find  their  tears 

And  sighs  are  unavailing. 
The  day  of  grace  is  past  and  gone: 
Trembling,  they  stand  before  the  throne 

All  unprepared  to  meet  Him! 

Great  God!  what  do  I  see  and  hear! 

The  end  of  things  created! 
The  Judge  of  mankind  doth  appear 

On  clouds  of  glory  seated! 
Low  at  His  Cross  I  view  the  day 
When  Heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away, 

And  thus  prepare  to  meet  Him. 

Gospel. 

For  there  is  none  other  Name   under  Heaven  given 
among  men,  whereby  we  must  be  saved. 

Acts  iv.  12. 


SEPTUAGESIMA. 


SEPTUAGESIMA.1 

And  God  blessed  the  seventh  day,  and  sanctified  it:  be- 
cause that  in  it  He  had  rested  from  all  his  work  which 
God  created  and  made, 

Genesis  ii.  3. 

And  now  Thy  labours,  Lord,  are  done, 
And  on  the  sixth  returning  sun 
Thou  to  Thy  work  hast  set  the  bound; 
The  heavens  take  up  the  gladsome  sound. 

But  while  the  Sabbatli  now  is  blest, 
And  consecrate  to  endless  rest, 
Another  labour  doth  demand 
The  great  Creator's  mighty  hand. 

For  all  things  now  have  found  a  tongue, 
Together  raise  one  rival  song, 
Together,  earth,  and  sea,  and  stars; — ■ 
One  sinner  the  glad  concert  mars. 

Our  hearts  of  stone,  Lord,  from  us  take4 
And  fleshly  hearts  within  us  make, 
That  so,  abounding  fruits  of  love 
A  welcome  hymn  to  Thee  may  prove. 

Such  are  the  hymns  which  Thee  delight, 
The  deeds  that  with  the  voice  unite; 


[1  Why  so  called?] 


SEXAGESIMA.  47 

Thus  to  our  prayers  Thine  ears  incline, 
Such  bend  the  Majesty  Divine. 

First  Lesson.     Morning.1 

Let  us  labour  therefore  to  enter  into  that  rest,  lest  any 
man  fall  after  the  same  example  of  unbelief. 

Hebrews  iv.  11. 


SEXAGESIMA.3 

She  took  of  the  fruit  thereof,  and  did  eat. 

Genesis  iii.  6 

Think  upon  Eve  and  Adam's  sin, 
See  wo  and  death  at  once  came  in; 
And  learn  how  wicked  acts  begin. 

When  conscience  tells  you  not  to  do 
The  deed  that  you  may  have  in  view, 
That  is  the  voice  of  God  to  you. 

When  playmates  urge,  or  when  you  long 
To  leave  the  right  way  for  the  wrong, 
That  is  to  you,  the  serpent's  tongue. 

Or  if  a  thing  forbidden  be, 

Yet  pleasant,  good  and  fair  to  see, 

That  is  to  you  the  guarded  tree; 

[1  Genesis  1.  American  Prayer  Book. — Jer.  v.] 
[2  Why  so  called  ?] 


48  SEXAGESIMA. 

So,  if  there  come  a  thought  some  day- 
Parents  or  friends  to  disobey, 
And  from  their  wishes  turn  away; 

Or  some  bold  evil  passion  rise, 

And  make  you  wish  what  God  denies, 

0  then,  remembering  Eve,  be  wise! 

First  Lesson.     Morning,* 

For  all  that  is  in  the  world,  the  lust  of  the  flesh,  and 
the  lust  of  the  eyes,  and  the  pride  of  life,  is  not  of  the 
Father,  but  is  of  the  world. 

1  John  ii.  16. 


SEXAGESIMA. 


The  seed  is  the  word  of  God. 

St.  Luke  viii,  11. 

O  God!  by  whom  the  seed  is  given; 

By  whom  the  harvest  blest; 
Whose  word,  like  manna  showered  from  heaven, 

Is  planted  in  our  breast; 

Preserve  it  from  the  passing  feet, 

And  plunderers  of  the  air; 
The  sultry  sun's  intenser  heat, 

And  weeds  of  worldly  care! 

[1  Genesis  iii.  Am.  Pr.  B.  Jeremiah  xxxv.] 


QUINQUAGESIMA.  49 

Though  buried  deep,  or  thinly  strewn, 

Do  Thou  Thy  grace  supply; 
The  hope  in  earthly  furrows  sown 

Shall  ripen  in  the  sky! 

Gospel. 

He  that  now  goeth  on  his  way  weeping,  and  beareth 
forth  good  seed,  shall  doubtless  come  again  with  joy,  and 
bring  his  sheaves  with  him. 

Psalm  cxxvi.  6. 


QUINQUAGESIMA.1 

[Love  is  the  fulfilling  of  the  law.] 

Romans  xiii.  10. 

Though  Angel's  zeal,  though  Prophet's  fire 

Informed  my  glowing  tongue; 
Though  holier  raptures  waked  my  lyre 

Than  ever  seraph  sung; 
Though  faith,  though  knowledge  from  above 

My  ardent  labour  crown'd, 
Did  I  not  glow  with  Christian  love, 

How  vain  would  all  be  found! 

Love  suffers  long,  is  just,  sincere, 

Forgiving,  slow  to  blame; 
Friend  of  the  good,  she  grieves  to  hear 

An  erring  brother's  shame. 

[l  Why  so  called?] 


50  QUINQTJAGESIMA. 

Meek,  holy,  free  from  selfish  zeal, 

To  generous  pity  prone, 
She  envies  not  another's  weal, 

Nor  triumphs  in  her  own. 

No  evil,  no  suspicious  thought 

She  harbours  in  her  breast; 
She  tries  us  by  the  deeds  we've  wrought, 

And  still  believes  the  best. 
Love  never  fails:  though  knowledge  cease, 

Though  prophecies  decay, 
Love,  Christian  love,  shall  still  increase, 

Shall  still  extend  her  sway. 

How  dimly,  through  life's  shadowy  glass 

We  strain  our  infant  eyes; 
Soon  shall  the  earth-born  vapours  pass, 

And  light  unclouded  rise. 
Then  hope  shall  sink  in  changeless  doom, 

Then,  faith's  bright  race  be  o'er, 
But  thou,  eternal  love,  shall  bloom 

More  glorious  than  before. 

Collect  and  Epistle. 

And  above  all  things  have  fervent  charity  among  your- 
selves. 

1  Pet.  iv.  8. 


QUINQUAGESIMA. 


QUINQUAGESIMA. 


51 


By  faith  Noah,  being  warned  of  God  of  things  not  seen 
as  yet,  moved  with  fear,  prepared  an  ark  to  the  saving  of 

his  house. 

Hebrews  xi.  7. 

When  safely  on  dry  land  once  more 
The  Patriarch's  House  descended, 

Joyful,  they  spring  upon  the  shore, 

And  thankfully  their  God  adore 
Who  thus  had  them  defended. 

Three  weary  months,  on  water  borne 

While  earth  was  disappearing, 
They  gazed  upon  the  scene  forlorn, 
And  wept  for  those  whose  sinful  scorn 
Had  mocked,  with  heart  unfearing. 

Yet,  through  that  deep  and  dreadful  tide, 

Their  God  had  them  protected: 
Had  saved  them  in  the  ruin  wide, 
Had  fed,  and  succoured  them  beside 
By  wonders  unexpected. 

Some  are  there,  rescued  from  a  doom 

Of  sorrow  more  enduring, 
Chosen  from  a  world  of  sin  and  gloom, 
And  placed  where  Heavenly  rays  illume 

Their  course,  their  end  ensuring. 


52  ASH  WEDNESDAY. 

For  Christ  hath  raised  an  ark  to  save,1 

Such  love  to  us  extending! 
We  enter  in  through  baptism's  wave: 
For  us,  from  sin,  and  from  the  grave, 

The  sting  and  victory  rending. 
Let  us  our  hearts  and  voices  raise, 
And  daily  give  Him  thanks  and  praise. 

First  Lesson.     Morning.* 

The  like  figure  whereunto  even  baptism  doth  also  now 
gave  us. 

1  Peter  iii.  21. 


ASH  WEDNESDAYS 

Cast  away  from  you  all  your  transgressions,  and  make 
you  a  new  heart  and  a  new  spirit.  For  I  have  no 
pleasure  in  the  death  of  him  that  dieth,saith  the  Lord 
God:  wherefore  turn  yourselves,  and  live  ye. 

Ezekiel  xviii.  31, 

It  is  the  holy  fast 
Which  Christ  hath  sanctified, 
Shadowed  of  ages  past, 
For  them  who  to  the  world  have  died. 

[l  What  is  it?] 

[2  Genesis  ix.  1—20.  Am.  Pr.  Book.    Lamentations  i.] 

[3  Why  so  called  ?] 


ASH  WEDNESDAY.  53 

Let  there  be  holy  guard 
O'er  word,  and  food  and  sleep, 
That  in  her  widowed  ward 
The  soul  her  strictest  watch  may  keep. 

Let  us  bow  down  and  weep 
Ere  yet  it  be  too  late, 
His  path  with  tears  to  steep 
Before  the  Judge  be  at  the  gate. 

Tremendous  Judge,  e'en  now 
Our  crimes  like  mountains  rise, 
But  yet  a  Father  Thou, 
And  mightier  are  Thy  clemencies. 

Frail  as  the  potter's  clay, 
But  yet  Thy  work  are  we; 
O  leave  us  not  a  prey 
For  whom  Christ  paid  the  penalty. 

Heal  us  from  all  our  sin, 
Restore  us  to  our  place, 
With  contrite  hearts  to  win 
Thine  all  abounding  pitying  grace. 

Epistle. 

And  enter  not  into  judgment  with  Thy  servant,  for  in 
Thy  sight  shall  no  man  living  be  justified. 

Psalm  cxliii.  2. 


54  FIRST  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 


FIRST  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 

If  any  man  will  come   after  Me,  let  him  deny  himself, 
and  take  up  his  cross,  and  follow  Me. 

St.  Matthew  xvi.  24. 

Not  by  the  Martyr's  death  alone 
The  Martyr's  crown  in  Heaven  is  won; 
There  is  a  triumph  robe  on  high 
For  bloodless  fields  of  victory. 

What  though  untaught  the  flame  to  feel. 
The  lion's  den,  the  torturing  wheel? 
Himself  his  only  enemy, 
He  learns  a  living  death  to  die. 

What  though  nor  executioner, 
Nor  scourge,  nor  stake,  nor  chain  be  there? 
To  those  prepared  with  Christ  to  die, 
'Tis  all  supplied  with  charity. 

Grant,  Christ,  that  so  to  Thee  we  turn, 
That  we  to  die  through  life  may  learn; 
And  thus  beyond  brief  life,  with  Thee 
May  see  a  glad  eternity. 

Eternal  Father  of  the  Word, 
Eternal  Son  as  God  adored, 


SECOND  SUNDAY  IN  LENT.  55 

Eternal  Spirit,  equal  Three, 
Be  equal  glory  given  to  Thee. 

Gospel. 
I  die  daily. 

1  Corinthians  xv.  31. 


SECOND  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 

And  He  was  there  in  the  wilderness  forty  days,  tempted 
of  Satan ;  and  was  with  the  wild  beasts;  and  the  Angela 
ministered  unto  Him. 

St.  Mark  i.  13. 

Lord,  in  the  desert  bleak  and  bare 

Still  worked  Thy  righteous  plan, 

Still  waked  amid  wild  beasts  Thy  care 
To  save  unconscious  man. 

We  thank  Thee,  Saviour,  that  when  all 
The  tempter's  power  was  tried, 

Thou  didst  not  Angel  legions  call, 
To  chase  him  from  Thy  side. 

For  us,  Thou  didst  endure  awhile, 

To  teach  us  arms  to  wield, 
Stronger  than  hellish  force  or  wile 

Thy  word,  to  man  revealed. 

Thy  scriptures  in  that  hour  prevailed, 
The  tempter's  might  to  quell; 

The  flesh,  the  world,  the  devil  failed, 
The  threefold  force  of  hell.1 

[1  Mention  the  three  temptations  of  our  Lord.] 


56  THIRD  SUNDAY  IN    LENT. 

Deeply  on  every  heart  engraved 
Be  this  Thy  conflict,  Lord ! 

That  body,  soul,  and  spirit  saved, 
May  thank  Thee  for  thy  word.1 

Gospel. 

The  sword  of  the  Spirit,  which  is  the  word  of  God. 
Ephesians  vi.  17. 


THIRD  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 

For  ye  were  sometimes  darkness,  but  now  are  ye  light  in 
the  Lord:  walk  as  children  of  light. 

Ephesians  v.  8. 

Maker  of  all  things,  aid  our  hands, 

In  all  our  works  be  near, 
That  our  chaste  lives  may  worthier  prove 

The  Name  of  Christ  to  bear. 

Thou,  only  mighty,  only  good, 

Art  to  Thyself  the  way; 
Thou  only,  who  hast  given  the  law, 

Canst  teach  us  to  obey. 

Perils  environ  all  the  road; 

Our  slippery  feet  control, 
That  so  our  steps  more  steadfastly 

May  press  on  to  the  goal. 

[!  With  what  text  did  he  repel  the  first?  the  second? 
the  third  ?] 


FOURTH  SUNDAY  IN  LENT.  57 

0  happy  goal,  where  true  repose 

And  peace  awaits  for  ever, 
And  Thou  to  thine,  dost  give  to  drink 

Of  joy,  as  from  a  river. 

For  Thee,  good  Lord,  the  heart  doth  pant, 

For  Thee  the  Spirit  sighs, 
Grant  unto  those,  Thy  grace  hath  saved, 

To  win  the  eternal  prize  ! 

Epistle. 

And  Thou  shalt  give  them  drink  of  Thy  pleasures  as  out 
of  the  river. 

Psalm  xxxvi.  8. 


FOURTH  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 

For  all  the  beasts  of  the  forest  are  Mine :  and  so  are  the 

cattle  upon  a  thousand  hills. 
I  know  all  the  fowls  upon  the  mountains :  and  the  wild 

beasts  of  the  field  are  in  My  sight. 

Psalm  1.  10, 11. 

His  are  the  cattle  on  the  hill, 

The  flocks  are  in  His  sight; 

The  fowls  that  on  the  mountains  dwell, 
The  beasts  that  roam  by  night. 

Yet  He  who  owns  this  countless  host, 
The  Lord  of  earth  and  sky, 

Commands  that  nothing  should  be  lost, 
No  fragment  useless  lie. 


58  FOURTH  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 

Learn  we  from  this,  unceasing  care 

Of  all  our  gifts  to  take; 
And  every  day,  the  heart's  deep  prayer 

For  every  grace  to  make. 

Our  wealth,  in  large  or  scanty  store, 

But  for  one  hour  is  lent: 
In  the  world's  vain  or  selfish  lore, 

No  portion  must  be  spent. 

Our  time,  most  precious  gift  of  all, 

If  saved  and  used  aright, 
Let  not  one  moment  useless  fall; 

Spend  all,  as  in  His  sight. 

Our  feeble  frames  to  cheer  and  rest, 
Sweet  sleep  and  food  are  given; 

So  may  we  use  them  as  may  best 
Prepare  our  souls  for  Heaven. 

Our  souls'  high  worth  Thou  knowest,  Lord, 
For  Thou  hast  paid  the  cost; 

Such  grace  to  us  do  Thou  afford, 
That  none  of  them  be  lost ! 

Gospel. 

Gather  up  the  fragments  that  remain,  that  nothing  be  lost. 

St.  John  vi.  12. 


FIFTH  SUNDAY  IN  LENT.  59 


FIFTH  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 

A  man  of  sorrows,  and  acquainted  with  grief. 

Isaiah  liii.  3. 

What  grief  like  Thine  was  ever  borne, 

Creation's  Lord  and  Heir  ', 
The  flesh,  by  nails  and  scourges  torn, 
The  soul,  by  slander  pierced,  and  scorn, 

But  half  Thy  woes  declare. 

Yet  calmness  never  quitted  Thee  ! 

How  mild  was  still  Thy  tone, 
When,  in  the  garden's  agony, 
Sleep  fell  upon  Thy  chosen  three,1 

And  Thou  wert  left  alone. 

What  life  was  more  in  labour  spent ! 

Chill  eve  and  noontide  heat 
Still  saw  Thy  time  to  others  lent, 
While  Thou,  where  many  came  and  went, 

No  leisure  hadst  to  eat. 

Yet  was  Thy  spirit  so  imbued 
With  calmness,  that  we  feel 

Almost  as  if  Thou  hadst  pursued 

A  quiet  life  in  thoughtful  mood, 
And  not  in  busiest  zeal. 

[IWho  were  they  ?] 


60       SUNDAY  NEXT  BEFORE  EASTER. 

Not  ours  in  sorrow,  or  in  toil, 

Such  calmness  to  maintain; 
Wildly  our  hearts  from  grief  recoil, 
And  passions,  in  our  best  deeds,  foil 
The  Spirit's  peaceful  reign. 

Pattern  in  labour,  and  in  wo, 

Look  on  us  from  above; 
Thine  own  mild  energy  bestow, 
And  deepen,  while  Thou  bidst  it  flow 

More  calm,  our  stream  of  love. 

Peace  I  leave  with  you,  My  peace  I  give  unto  you:  not 
as  the  world  giveth,  give  I  unto  you. 

St.  John  xiv.  27. 


SUNDAY  NEXT  BEFORE  EASTER. 

And  He  went  into  the  temple,  and  began  to  cast  out  them 
that  sold  therein,  and  them  that  bought;  saying  unto 
them,  It  is  written,  My  house  is  the  house  of  prayer  ;! 
but  ye  have  made  it  a  den  of  thieves. 

St.  Luke  xix.  45,  46. 

This  is  the  abode  where  God  doth  dwell, 
This  is  the  gate  of  Heaven, 

The  shrine  of  the  Invisible, 

The  Priest,  the  Victim  given. 

[i  Where  ?] 


MONDAY  IN  PASSION  WEEK.  61 

O  holy  seat,  O  holy  fane, 

Where  dwells  the  Omnipotent, 

Whom  the  broad  world  cannot  contain, 
Nor  Heaven's  high  firmament. 

Here,  where  the  unearthly  Guest  descends 

To  hearts  of  innocence, 
And  sacred  love  her  wing  extends 

Of  holiest  influence. 

Let  no  unhallow'd  thought  be  here 

Within  that  sacred  door; 
Let  naught  polluted  dare  draw  near, 

Nor  tread  the  awful  floor; 
Or,  lo  !  the  Avenger  is  at  hand, 
And  at  the  door  doth  stand  ! 

Whose  fan  is  in  His  hand,  and  He  will  thoroughly  purge 
His  floor. 

St.  Matthew  iii.  12. 


MONDAY  IN   PASSION  WEEK. 

For  since  by  man  came  death,  by  man  came  also   the 
resurrection  of  the  dead. 

1  Corinthians  xv.  21. 

Oh  !  how  shall  we  declare 
Thy  love,  blest  Saviour,  which  had  birth, 
Before  the  Heavens  and  the  earth 

By  Thee  created  were  ? 
5 


62  MONDAY  IN  PASSION  WEEK. 

Without  Thee,  naught  was  made;1 
And  Thou  complacently  didst  view 
Primeval  man,  yet  pure  and  true 

In  Eden's  bowery  shade. 

He  fell,  deceived,  defiled  ! 
Henceforth  wert  Thou  hope's  only  stay, 
And  many  a  pilgrim's  weary  way 

Dim  faith  in  Thee,  beguiled. 

At  length,  Thy  day-star  rose, 
And  Thou,  a  Virgin's  child,  wert  born, 
A  man  of  grief;  the  mark  of  scorn; 

The  Saviour  of  Thy  foes. 

Thou,  by  Thy  death  of  shame, 
From  all  their  sins,  which  naught  beside 
Could  blot,  hast  freely  justified 

Those  who  receive  Thy  Name. 

And  Thou  hast  burst  the  tomb ! 
Through  Thee,  the  Spirit's  graces  flow; 
Thou  pleadest  for  Thy  Church  below; 

Thou  shalt  to  judgment  come. 

Thou  marchest,  warrior  dread, 
Treading  the  wine-press  of  Thy  wrath, 
Heaping  with  foes  Thy  conquering  path, 

Till  death  himself  be  dead. 

[lText?] 


TUESDAY  IN  PASSION  WEEK.  63 

Thou  reignest,  mighty  King; 
The  Saints  before  Thee  cast  their  crown; 
And  of  Thy  worship,  Thy  renown, 

The  choirs  seraphic  sing. 

Our  Author  and  our  End  ! 
Our  First  and  Last !  from  hearts  that  bum 
To  speak  Thy  praise,  Thou  wilt  not  turn, 

Though  feeble  notes  ascend  ! 

The  last  enemy  that  shall  be  destroyed  is  death. 
1  Corinthians  xv.  26. 


TUESDAY  IN  PASSION  WEEK. 

But  was  in  all  points  tempted  like  as  we  are,  yet  with- 
out sin. 

Hebrews  iv.  15, 

Lord,  Thou  in  all  things  like  wert  made 
To  us,  yet  free  from  sin : — 

Then,  how  unlike  to  us,  Thou  wert, 
Replies  the  voice  within. 

O  holy  God  !  yet  frail 1  weak  man  ! 

Becomes  us  not  to  know 
How  spotless  soul  and  body  felt 

Temptation,  pain,  and  wo. 

[1  Literally,  fragile,  that  which  may  be  broken.] 


64  WEDNESDAY  IN  PASSION  WEEK, 

Our  faith  is  weak  ;— 0  Light  of  Light  ! 

Clear  Thou  our  clouded  view; 
That,  Son  of  Man,  and  Son  of  God  ! 

We  give  Thee  honour  due. 

0  Son  of  man  !  Thyself  hast  proved 

Our  trials  and  our  tears  ; 
Life's  thankless  toil  and  scant  repose, 

Death's  agonies  and  fears. 

O  Son  of  God  !  in  glory  raised, 
Thou  sittest  on  Thy  throne  ; 

Thence,  by  Thy  pleadings  and  Thy  grace, 
Siill  succouring  Thine  own. 

Brother  and  Saviour,  Friend  and  Judge  ! 

To  Thee,  0  Christ,  is  given 
To  bind  upon  Thy  Crown  the  names 

Most  blest  in  earth  and  Heaven. 

His  name  shall  be  in  their  foreheads. 

Rev.  xxii.  4. 


WEDNESDAY  IN  PASSION  WEEK. 

Nevertheless,  not  My  will,  but  Thine,  be  done. 

St.  Luke  xxii.  42. 

Not  in  thine  hours  of  conflict,  Lord; 

Nor  when  the  tempting  fiend  was  nigh  : 


WEDNESDAY  IN  PASSION  WEEK.  65 

Nor  when  that  bitter  cup  was  poured, 

Thy  garden  agony  :  — 
Nor  then,  when  uttermost  thy  need, 

Seemed  light  across  thy  soul  to  break, 
No  seraph  form  was  seen  to  speed, 

No  voice  of  comfort  spake; 
Till,  by  Thine  own  revealed  word, 

The  victory  o'er  the  fiend  was  won; — 
Till  the  sweet  mournful  cry  was  heard, 

"  Thy  will,  not  Mine,  be  done  !" 

Then  to  the  desert  sped  the  Blest, 

And  food,  and  peace,  and  joy,  conveyed; 
Then  one,  more  favoured  than  the  rest,1 

Glanced  to  the  olive  shade. 
Lord!  bring  those  precious  moments  back, 

When  fainting,  against  sin  we  strain; 
Or  in  Thy  counsels  fail  to  track, 

Aught  but  the  present  pain  ! 
In  darkness  help  us  to  contend; 

In  darkness,  yield  to  Thee  our  will; 
And  true  hearts,  faithful  to  the  end, 

Cheer  by  Thine  Angels  still  ! 

And,  behold,  Angels  came  and  ministered  unto  Him. 
St.  Matthew  iv.  11. 

[l  And  there  appeared  an  angel  unto  him  from  heaven, 
strengthening  him.    St.  Luke  xxii,  43.J 


66  THURSDAY  IN  PASSION  WEEK. 


THURSDAY  IN  PASSION  WEEK. 

For  they  drank  of  that  spiritual  Rock  that  followed  them: 
and  that  Rock  was  Christ. 

1  Cob.  x.  4. 

O  Lord  !  refresh  Thy  flock  ! 

Athirst  to  Thee  they  cry : 
Thou  art  the  spiritual  Rock 

"Whence  they  must  drink,  or  die. 

0  Lord  !  our  sickness  heal ! 

Thou,  in  our  sufferings  sore, 
Wert  lifted  up,  that  we  might  feel1 

Sin's  poison-fangs  no  more. 

Preserve  us,  Lord  !  from  death  ! 

Thou  art  the  Lamb  whose  blood 
Sprinkled  o'er  Israel's  doors  in  faith,3 

A  token  was  for  good. 

With  many  a  bitter  herb,3 

Of  wishes  dear  subdued, 
'Tis  meet,  that,  dressed  in  pilgrim-garb, 

We  take  Thee  for  our  food. 

Away  those  types  are  cast, 
And  now  Thyself  we  see; 

[l  Text,  in  the  Old  Testament.     In  the  New.] 
[2  Text.]  [3  Text.] 


GOOD  FRIDAY.  67 

Yet  let  each  hint  that  cheered  the  past, 
Still  lift  our  hearts  to  Thee  ! 

The  law  having  a  shadow  of  good  things  to  come. 

Heb.  x.  1. 


GOOD  FRIDAY. 

But  He  was  wounded  for  our  transgressions. 

Isaiah  liii.  5. 

Darkly  rose  the  guilty  morning 
When,  the  King  of  glory  scorning, 

Raged  the  fierce  Jerusalem: 
See  the  Christ,  His  Cross  up-bearing, 
See  Him  stricken,  spit  on,  wearing 

The  thorn-platted  diadem  ! 

Not  the  crowd  whose  cries  assailed  Him, 
Not  the  hands  that  rudely  nailed  Him, 

Slew  Him  on  the  cursed  tree; 
Ours,  the  sin,  from  Heaven  that  called  Him, 
Ours,  the  sin,  whose  burden  galled  Him 

In  the  green  Gethsemane ! 

For  our  sins,  of  glory  emptied, 
He  was  fasting,  lone,  and  tempted, 

He  was  slain  on  Calvary; 
Yet  he  for  his  murderers  pleaded, 
Lord!  by  us,  that  prayer  is  needed, 

We  have  pierced,  yet  trust  in  Thee. 


68  EASTER  EVE. 

In  our  wealth,  and  tribulation, 

By  Thy  precious  cross  and  passion, 

By  Thy  blood  and  agony, 
By  thy  glorious  resurrection, 
By  Thy  Holy  Ghost's  protection, 

Make  us  thine  eternally ! 

And  with  His  stripes  we  are  healed. 

Isaiah  liii.  5. 


EASTER  EVE. 


It  is  a  fearful  thing  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  living  God. 

Heb.  x.  31. 

When  rising  from  the  bed  of  death, 
O'er  whelmed  with  guilt  and  fear, 

I  see  my  Maker  face  to  face, 
O  how  shall  I  appear  ! 

If  yet,  while  pardon  may  be  found, 
And  mercy  may  be  sought, 

My  heart  with  inward  horror  shrinks, 
And  trembles  at  the  thought; 

When  Thou,  O  Lord!  shalt  stand  disclosed 

In  Majesty  severe, 
And  sit  in  judgment  on  my  soul, 

0  how  shall  I  appear? 


EASTER  DAY.  69 

But  Thou  hast  told  the  troubled  mind 

Who  does  her  sins  lament, 
The  timely  tribute  of  her  tears, 

Shall  endless  wo  prevent. 

Then  see  the  sorrow  of  my  heart 

Ere  yet  it  be  too  late; 
And  hear  my  Saviour's  dying  groans, 

To  give  those  sorrows  weight. 

For  never  shall  my  soul  despair 

Her  pardon  to  procure, 
Who  knows  Thy  only  Son  has  died 

To  make  her  pardon  sure.    [Addison.] 

If  ye  then  be  risen  with  Christ,  seek  those  things  which 
are  above. 

Colossians  iii.  1. 


EASTER  DAY. 


Blessing,  and  glory,  and  wisdom,  and  thanksgiving,  and 
honour,  and  power,  and  might,  be  unto  our  God  for 
ever  and  ever. 


Rev.  vii.  12. 


Let  us  His  praise  unfold 
Who  our  Avenger  came; 

And,  robed  in  pureness,  hold 
The  festal  of  the  Lamb. 


70  EASTER  DAY. 

Christ  is  our  Sacrifice, 

The  Lamb  come  down  from  high; 
Death's  angel  dread  descries 

His  blood,  and  passes  by. 

O  Victim  worthy  Heaven, 

O'er  death  the  Victory; 
Who  chains  of  hell  hath  riven, 

And  borne  her  gates  away. 

From  jaws  of  the  dark  tomb 

He  bursts  into  the  light; 
And  opes  beyond  the  gloom, 

The  heavenly  infinite. 

Grant  us,  with  Thee  to  die, 
That  we  with  Thee  may  rise, 

And  build  our  house  on  high, 
With  Thee  beyond  the  skies. 

Praise  the  Father,  praise  the  Son, 
Who  leads  to  starry  homes; 

Praise  the  Spirit,  three  in  one, 
Who  as  our  guardian  comes. 

But  now  is  Christ  risen  from  the  dead,  and  is  become 
the  first-fruits  of  them  that  slept. 

]  Cor.  xv.  20. 


EASTER  MONDAY.  71 


EASTER  MONDAY. 

Why  seek  ye  the  living  among  the  dead  ? 

St.  Luke  xxiv.  5. 

Why  for  thy  Lord,  dost  thou  thus  weep  and  mourn, 

Like  one  half  broken-hearted  and  forlorn? 

No  need,  for  Him  that  thou  shouldst  mourn  and 

weep, 
No  need,  with  tears  an  empty  shroud  to  steep. 

He,  whom  thou  seekest  in  the  murky  tomb, 
Hath  sprung,  bright  and  victorious  from  the  gloom; 
He  lives,  He  greatly  lives  for  evermore; 
See,  wide  the  rocks  ope  the  sepulchral  door. 

Why  bring'st  thou  myrrh  and  spices  ?  offerings 

meet 
For  livid  corpses  in  their  winding-sheet: 
His  body  blooms  with  immortality, 
Meet  to  return  to  His  paternal  sky. 

Thy  tears  proclaim  the  greatness  of  thy  love, 
Nor  doth  thy  Lord  thy  flowing  tears  reprove; 
Hear'st  thou  ?  and  know'st  thou  not  that  voice 

adored  ? 
'Tis  thine  own  name  !    He  speaks,  thy  God  and 

Lord. 

Now  go,  first  witness  and  first  messenger, 
Throughout  the  city  thy  glad  tidings  bear, 


72  EASTER  TUESDAY. 

And  teach  the  twelve  that  Christ  Himself  is  nigh, 
And,  wheresoe'er  thou  speakest,  standing  by. 

All  love  and  praise,  and  majesty  be  Thine, 
Father  and  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost  divine; 
Quickened  by  whom  our  bodies  shall  return, 
And  in  immortal  bloom  for  ever  burn. 

Thou  wilt  not  leave  my  soul  in  hell;  neither  wilt  Thou 
suffer  Thine  Holy  One  to  see  corruption. 

Psalm  xvi.  10. 


EASTER  TUESDAY. 

1  am  the  resurrection,  and  the  life. 

St.  John  xi.  25. 

Faint  are  the  hopes  which  nature  gives 

That  man  again  shall  rise; 
Too  faint  to  guide  him  while  he  lives, 

Or  cheer  him  when  he  dies. 

That  night  which  saw  the  sealed  stone 
Rolled  from  Thine  empty  tomb; 

That  night,  assurance  gives  alone, 
0  Lord,  of  life  to  come, 

To  those  at  dawn,  who  thither  sped, 
How  sweet  the  seraph  strain 


FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER.  73 

M  Seek  ye  the  living  with  the  dead? 
Your  Lord  is  risen  again." 

When  at  the  thought  our  spirit  faints 

That  we  to  death  belong, 
Faith  still  those  white-robed  heralds  paints, 

And  chants  their  cheering  song. 

Our  Lord  is  risen; — but  if  we  seek 

Where  He  is  gone,  to  go, 
We  must,  like  Him,  be  pure  and  meek, 

And  bear  His  yoke  below. 

If  by  His  love  and  power  up-borne, 

On  Him  in  faith  we  stay, 
The  worldling's  dread,  the  judgment  morn, 

Shall  be  our  Easter  day. 

If  ye  then  be   risen   with  Christ,  seek   those    things 
which  are  above. 

Col.  iii.  1. 


FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER. 

Why  are  ye  troubled,  and  why  do  thoughts  arise  in 
your  hearts.  Behold  My  hands  and  My  feet,  that  it  is 
I  Myself. 

When  I  sink  down  in  gloom  or  fear, 
Hope  blighted  or  delayed, 


74  FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER. 

Thy  whisper,  Lord,  my  heart  shall  cheer,— 
"  'Tis  I,  be  not  afraid  !" 

Or,  startled  at  some  sudden  blow, 

If  fretful  thoughts  I  feel, — 
"  Fear  not,  'tis  I,"  the  mild  words  flow 

As  balm,  my  wounds  to  heal. 

Nor  will  I  swerve,  though  scorning  foes 

Some  onward  pass  defend; 
From  each  rough  voice  the  watchword  goes 

**  Be  not  afraid ! — a  friend  !" 

And  O,  when  judgment's  trumpet  clear 

Awakes  me  from  the  grave, 
Still  in  its  echo  may  I  hear, 

"  'Tis  Christ!  He  comes  to  save!" 

Gospel. 

Heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away:  but  My  words  shall 
not  pass  away. 

St.  Mark  xiii.  31. 


FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER. 

And  there  are  three  that  bear  witness  in  earth,  the 
Spirit,  and  the  Water,  and  the  Blood:  and  these  three 
agree  in  one. 

1  John  v.  8. 
Our  God  in  glory  sits  on  high; 

Man  may  not  see  and  live; 


FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER.  75 

Yet  witness  of  Himself  on  earth 
For  ever  doth  He  give. 

His  Spirit  dwells  in  all  good  hearts; 

All  precious  fruits  of  love, 
Thoughts,  words,  and  works,  made  holy,  bear 

His  witness  from  above. 

The  Baptism  waters  have  not  ceased 
To  spread  His  Name,  since  first 

From  the  Redeemer's  wounded  side 
The  holy  Fountain  burst. 

That  other  stream  of  endless  life, 

His  all-atoning  Blood, 
Is  it  not  still  our  Cup  of  Grace? 

His  Flesh,  our  spirit's  food? 

0  never  may  our  sinful  hearts, 

What  Thou  hast  joined,  divide! 

Thy  Spirit  in  Thy  mysteries  still 
For  life,  not  death,  abide ! 

Epistle. 

What  therefore  God  hath  joined  together,  let  not  man 
put  asunder. 

St.  Matthew  xix.  6. 


76  SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER. 


SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER. 

I  am  the  good  Shepherd. 

St.  Johh  x.  14. 

The  Lord  my  pasture  shall  prepare, 
And  feed  me  with  a  shepherd's  care; 
His  presence  shall  my  wants  supply, 
And  guard  me  with  a  watchful  eye; 
My  noonday  walks  He  shall  attend, 
And  all  my  midnight  hours  defend. 

When  in  the  sultry  glebe  I  faint, 
Or  on  the  thirsty  mountains  pant; 
To  fertile  vales,  and  dewy  meads, 
My  weary,  wandering  steps  he  leads; 
Where  peaceful  rivers,  soft  and  slow, 
Amid  the  verdant  landscape  flow. 

Though  in  the  paths  of  death  I  tread, 
With  gloomy  horrors  overspread, 
My  steadfast  heart  shall  fear  no  ill, 
For  Thou,  0  Lord,  art  with  me  still; 
Thy  friendly  crook  shall  give  me  aid, 
And  guide  me  through  the  dreadful  shade. 

Though  in  a  bare  and  rugged  way, 
Through  devious  lonely  wilds  I  stray, 


THIRD    SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER.  77 

Thy  bounty  shall  my  pains  beguile, 
The  barren  wilderness  shall  smile, 
With  sudden  greens  and  herbage  crown'd, 
And  streams  shall  murmur  all  around. 

Gospel. 

Yea,  though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of 
death,  I  will  fear  no  evil;  for  Thou  art  with  me;  Thy 
rod  and  thy  staff  comfort  me. 

Psalm  xxiii.  4. 


THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER. 

So  I  turned  and  came  down  from  the  mount,  and  the 
mount  burned  with  fire:  and  the  two  tables  of  the  cove- 
nant were  in  my  two  hands.  And  I  looked,  and,  behold, 
ye  had  sinned  against  the  Lord  your  God,  and  had  made 
you  a  molten  calf:  ye  had  turned  aside  quickly  out  of 
the  way  which  the  Lord  had  commanded  you. 

Deut.  ix.  15,  16. 

While  Moses  on  the  mountain  lay, 
Night  after  night,  and  day  by  day, 

Till  forty  suns  were  gone; 
Unconscious,  in  the  Presence  bright 
Of  lustrous  day,  and  starry  night, 
As  though  his  soul  had  flitted  quite 

From  earth,  and  Eden  won: 

6 


78  THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER. 

The  pageant  of  a  kingdom  vast, 
And  things  unutterable,  passed 

Before  the  Prophet's  eye; 
Dread  shadows  of  the  Eternal  Throne, 
The  Fount  of  life,  and  Altar-stone, 
Pavement,  and  them  that  tread  thereon, 

And  those  who  worship  nigh. 

But  lest  he  should  his  own  forget, 
Who  in  the  vale  were  struggling  yet, 

A  sadder  vision  came; 
Announcing  all  that  guilty  deed 
Of  idol  rite,  that  in  her  need, 
He  for  the  Church  might  intercede, 

And  stay  Heaven's  rising  flame. 

First  Lesson.    Morning.1 

So  He  said,  He  would  have  destroyed  them,  had  not 
Moses  His  chosen  stood  before  Him  in  the  gap:  to  turn 
away  His  wrathful  indignation,  lest  He  should  destroy 
them. 

Psalm  cvi.  33. 

[l  Deuteronomy  iv.] 


FOURTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER.       79 


FOURTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER. 

But  I  must  die  in  this  land,  I  must  not  go  over  Jordan: 
but  ye  shall  go  over,  and  possess  that  good  land.  Take 
heed  unto  yourselves,  lest  ye  forget  the  covenant  of  the 
Lord  your  God. 

Deut.  iv.  22,  23. 

Moses,  the  patriot  fierce,  became 
The  meekest  man  on  earth, 

To  show  us  how  love's  quickening  flame 
Can  give  our  souls  new  birth. 

Moses,  the  man  of  meekest  heart, 

Lost  Canaan  by  self-will, 
To  show,  where  grace  has  done  its  part, 

How  sin  defiles  us  still. 

Thou,  who  hast  taught  me  in  Thy  fear, 

Yet  seest  me  frail  at  best, 
0  grant  me  loss  with  Moses  here, 

To  gain  his  future  rest! 

First  Lesson.    Morning.1 

Because  they  provoked  his  spirit:  so  that  he  spake  un- 
advisedly with  bis  lips. 

Ps^lm  cvi.  33, 
[l  Deuteronomy  vi»l 


80  FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER. 


FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER. 

If  any  man  among  you  seem  to  be  religious,  and  bridleth 
not  his  tongue,  but  deceiveth  his  own  heart,  this  man's 
religion  is  vain. 

St.  Jaxes  i.  26. 

Prune  thou  thy  words,  the  thoughts  control 
That  o'er  thee  swell  and  throng; 

They  will  condense  within  thy  soul, 
And  turn  to  purpose  strong. 

But  he  who  lets  his  feelings  run 

In  soft  luxurious  flow, 
Shrinks  when  hard  service  must  be  done, 

And  faints  at  every  wo. 

Faith's  meanest  deed  more  favour  bears 
Where  hearts  and  wills  are  weighed, 

Than  brightest  transports,  choicest  prayers, 
Which  bloom  their  hour,  and  fade. 

Epistle. 

Not  every  one  that  saith  unto  Me,  Lord,  Lord,  shall  enter 
into  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven;  but  he  that  doeth  the 
will  of  My  Father  which  is  in  Heaven. 

St.  Matthew7  vii.  21. 


ASCENSION  DAY.  81 


ASCENSION  DAY. 

Who  is  the   King  of  glory  ?   even  the    Lord   of  Hosts, 
He  is  the  King  of  glory. 

Psalm  xxiv.  10. 

Blest  Saviour,  now  Thy  work  is  done, 
O'er  death  and  hell  the  victory; 

And  Thou,  ascended  to  put  on 
The  glories  of  eternity. 

Now  borne  upon  a  glittering  cloud, 

Thou  seest  afar  earth's  little  bound, 

While  following,  flock  a  happy  crowd, 

Their  Saviour  and  their  King  around. 

'Mid  wondering  Angels,  without  end, 
The  eternal  doors  are  open  wide; 

While  God,  and  Man,  Thou  dost  ascend 
To  set  Thee  at  Thy  Father's  side. 

Our  one  High  Priest,  our  Advocate, 
Our  Intercessor  there  on  high, 

Offering  for  us,  without  the  gate, 

The  blood  of  boundless  charity. 

Thence  Thou  Thy  bride  dost  here  adorn, 
And  cherish  her  in  her  unrest; 

And  she  when  harassed  and  forlorn, 
Reclines  upon  Thy  pitying  breast. 


82  SUNDAY  AFTER  ASCENSION  DAY. 

Thou,  'midst  her  conflicts,  art  at  hand, 

Thou  o'er  her  head  dost  hold  Thy  shield, 

Thou  art  the  rock  where  she  may  stand, 

Thou  givest  might  Thine  arms  to  wield. 

Where  Thou,  our  Head,  art  gone  before, 
Do  Thou  to  Thee  the  body  draw; 

On  ways,  where  Thine  own  steps  of  yore 
Have  trod,  Thine  own  life-giving  law. 

Now  to  the  Father  let  us  sing, 

And,  Holy  Spirit,  unto  Thee* 

And  to  our  Heaven-ascended  King, 
Who  captive  led  captivity. 

He  ever  liveth  to  make  intercession  for  them. 

Heb.  vii.  25. 


SUNDAY  AFTER  ASCENSION  DAY. 

Thou  art  gone  up  on  high,  Thou  hast  led  captivity  cap- 
tive, and  received  gifts  for  men;  yea,  even  for  Thine 
enemies,  that  the  Lord  God  might  dwell  among  them. 

Psalm  lxviii.  18. 

O  Thou,  gone  up,  our  harbinger 
To  Heaven's  dread  Palaces, 

Look  on  us  lying  helpless  here, 
And  lift  us  to  the  skies. 


WHIT-SUNDAY.  83 

May  holy  love  the  stair  supply 

To  those  pure  joys  divine, 
Which,  undiscerned  by  nature's  eye, 

In  Faith's  true  mirror  shine. 

Where  God  doth  His  tried  children  own, 

And  gives  them  to  be  blest, 
He,  all  in  all,  their  toils  doth  crown, 

And  is  Himself  their  rest. 

Thy  grace  alone  to  Thee  can  lead, 
And  place  us  near  Thy  throne; 

Do  Thou  to  help  us  in  our  need, 
Send  down  Thy  Holy  One ! 

When  He,  the  Spirit  of  Truth,  is  come,  He  will  guide 
you  into  all  truth. 

St.  John  xvi.  13. 


WHIT-SUNDAY. 

He  that  hath  My  commandments,  and  keepeth  them,  he 
it  is  that  loveth  Me:  and  he  that  loveth  Me  shall  be 
loved  of  My  Father. 

St.  John  xiv.  21. 

What  mysterious  sight  and  sound, 
Of  our  God  the  coming  speaks ! 

Like  a  rushing  gale  profound, 

All  the  house  His  presence  shakes. 


84  WHIT-SUNDAY. 

Like  a  burning  shower  it  falls 

All  the  hallowed  guests  among, 

Upon  each  within  the  walls 

Sitting  like  a  fiery  tongue. 

While  the  bright  and  lambent  rays 

Play,  their  unharmed  heads  around, 

Far  hath  sped  that  piercing  blaze, 

In  their  deep  heart's  silent  ground. 

All  aghast  the  nations  throng, 

While  with  other  tongues  they  name 
Things  that  unto  Heaven  belong, 

And  wrhate'er  they  speak  is  flame. 

Praise  to  the  Father,  and  the  Son, 

And  to  Thee  the  Holy  One, 
By  whose  awful  breath  divine, 

Our  dull  spirits  burn  and  shine. 

And  We  will  come  unto  him,  and  make  Our  abode 
with  him. 

St.  John  xiv.  33, 


WHIT-MONDAY.  85 


WHIT-MONDAY. 

Be  careful  for  nothing. 

Philippians  iv.  6. 

As  Jesus  sought  His  wandering  sheep 

With  weary  toil  opprest, 
He  came  to  Martha's  lowly  roof, 

A  loved  and  honoured  guest. 

Blessed  art  thou,  whose  threshold  poor 
Those  holy  feet  have  trod, 

To  wait  on  so  divine  a  Guest 
And  to  receive  thy  God! 

While  Martha  serves  with  busy  feet, 

In  reverential  mood 
Meek  Mary  sits  beside  the  Judge, 

And  feeds  on  heavenly  food. 

Yea,  Martha  soon,  herself  shall  sit 

The  eternal  word  to  hear, 
And  shall  forget  the  festal  board, 

To  feast  on  holier  cheer. 

Sole  rest  of  all  who  come  to  Thee, 
Q'er  all  our  works  preside, 


86  WHIT-TUESDAY. 

That  we  may  have  in  Thee  at  last, 
The  part  that  shall  abide. 

But  Mary  hath  chosen  that  good  part,  which  shall  not 
be  taken  away  from  her. 

St.  Luke  x.  42. 


WHIT-TUESDAY. 


I  lay  down  My  life  for  the  sheep. 

St.  John  x.  15. 

My  Shepherd  is  the  King  of  Kings, 

His  hand  ray  wants  supplies; 
He  shows  me  where  the  coolest  springs, 

The  sweetest  pastures  rise. 

Though  faint,  and  straggling  from  our  folds, 

O'er  worlds  without  a  track, 
Jehovah  still  His  flock  beholds, 

And  leads  the  wanderers  back. 

Yea,  though  the  vale  of  death  I  tread, 

Though  plunged  in  darkest  ill, 
Nor  storms,  nor  foes,  my  soul  shall  dread, 
For  Thou  art  with  me  still. 

Gospel. 

My  sheep  hear  My  voice,  and  1  know  them,  and  they  fol- 
low Me:  and  I  give  unto  them  eternal  life;  and  they 
shall  never  perish,  neither  shall  any  pluck  them  out 
of  My  hand. 

St.  John  x.  27,  28. 


TRINITY  SUNDAY.  87 


TRINITY   SUNDAY. 

And  God  saw  every  thing  that  He  had  made,  and,  be- 
hold, it  was  very  good. 

Genesis  i.  31. 

When  from  the  Eternal's  hand 

The  earth  in  beauty  stood, 
Decked  in  light  at  His  command, 

He  saw,  and  called  it  good. 

Yet  a  goodlier  world  it  stood, 

In  the  Creator's  sight, 
In  the  Lamb's  all-cleansing  blood, 

Washed  to  celestial  white. 

In  the  light  of  rising  morn, 

Which  o'er  creation  flies, 
We  descry,  by  fancy  borne, 

Heaven's  courts  beyond  the  skies. 

In  Thy  law,  blessed  Trinity, — 

A  sure  light,  bright  and  true, — 

What  Thou  forbiddest  may  we  flee, 
What  Thou  dost  bid,  pursue. 

First  Lesson.    Morning. 

Nevertheless  we,  according  to  His  promise,  look  for  new 
heavens  and  a  new  earth,  wherein  dwelleth  righteous 
ness. 

2  Peter  iii.  13. 


88  FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 


FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

Tremble,  thou  earth,  at  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  at 
the  presence  of  the  God  of  Jacob! 

Psalm  cxiv.  7. 

When  Israel,  freed  from  Pharaoh's  hand, 
Left  the  proud  tyrant  and  his  land, 
The  tribes  with  cheerful  homage  own 
Their  King,  and  Judah  was  His  throne. 

Across  the  deep  their  journey  lay, 
The  deep  divides  to  make  them  way; 
The  streams  of  Jordan  saw,  and  fled 
With  backward  current  to  their  head. 

The  mountains  shook  like  frighted  sheep; 
Like  lambs,  the  little  hillocks  leap; 
Not  Sinai  on  her  base  could  stand, 
Conscious  of  Sovereign  power  at  hand. 

What  power  could  make  the  deep  divide? 
Make  Jordan  backward  roll  his  tide  ? 
Why  did  ye  leap,  ye  little  hills? 
And  whence  the  fright  that  Sinai  feels  ? 

Let  every  mountain,  every  flood 
Retire,  and  know  the  approaching  God, 
The  King  of  Israel,  see  Him  here; 
Tremble  thou  earth,  adore  and  fear, 


SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  89 

He  thunders,  and  all  nature  mourns; 
The  rock  to  standing  pools  He  turns; 
Flints  spring  with  fountains  at  His  word, 
And  fires  and  seas  confess  their  Lord. 

First  Lesson.* 

Thou  leddest  Thy  people  like  sheep  by  the  hand  of 
Moses  and  Aaron. 

Psalm  lxxvii.  20. 


SECOND  SUNDAY   AFTER  TRINITY. 

He  that  loveth  his  brother,  abideth  in  the  light. 

1  John  ii.  10. 

Here  hast  Thou,  Lord,  Thy  children  set 

To  dwell  in  one  abode: 
May  they  be  here  together  met 

In  holy  brotherhood. 

A  brotherhood  of  exiles  here, 

But  to  His  house  above 
Are  gather'd  by  a  Father's  care, 

Who  learn  a  brother's  love. 

Who  hurt  their  neighbour  with  ill  tongue, 
Or  arts  of  evil  leaven, 

[1  Joshua  x] 


90       SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

Thou  puttest  far  from  Thee,  from  song 
And  palace-hall  of  Heaven. 

Lo,  Earth  herself  in  agony, 

The  wicked  scarce  sustains, 
And  yearns  in  travail  to  be  free, 

From  dark  corruption's  chains. 

And  we,  too,  in  our  spirits  groan, 

And  full  adoption  wait, 
We  with  the  earnest  of  the  Son, 

E'en  now  predestinate. 

Be  endless  praise,  and  aye  remain 
To  God,  both  One  and  Three, 

From  whom,  in  lowly  hearts  doth  reign 
Fraternal  charity. 

Epistle. 

Let  us  keep  the  feast,  not  with  old  leaven,  neither  with 
the  leaven  of  malice  and  wickedness;  but  with  the 
unleavened  bread  of  sincerity  and  truth. 

1  Cor.  v.  8. 


THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  91 


THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

A  bruised  reed  shall   He  not  break,  and  the  smoking 
flax  shall  He  not  quench. 

Isauh  xlii.  3, 

Why  hast  Thou  for  our  earthly  gloom, 

Thus  left  Thy  Father's  hall? 
"  Not  for  the  righteous  am  I  come, 

But  sinners  to  recall."1 

What  bear'st  Thou  from  yon  desert  nook, 

Upon  Thy  shoulders  bound? 
"  A  sheep  who  left  My  Father's  flock, 

Whom  I  have  lost  and  found."3 

What  is  it  wakes  the  Angelic  mirth, 

'Mid  sons  of  God  in  Heaven? 
"  'Tis  some  poor  sorrowing  child  of  earth, 

Who  is  of  God  forgiven."3 

What  makes  the  gracious  Father  rise, 

And  hasten  from  His  seat? 
11  'Tis  one  in  distance  He  descries, 

A  long  lost  son,  to  meet."4 

O  Thou  who  seest  our  secret  prayer, 
And  every  inmost  grief, 

[lText?]        p  Text?]        [3  Text?]        [4  Text?] 


92       FOURTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

Teach  us  on  Thee  to  cast  our  care, 
And  find  in  Thee,  relief. 

Gospel, 

This  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation, 
that  Christ  Jesus  came  into  the  world  to  save  sinners. 

1  Tim.  i.  15. 


FOURTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

We  then,  as  workers  together  with  Him,  beseech  you  also 
that  ye  receive  not  the  grace  of  God  in  vain. 

2  Cob.  vi.  1. 

Yes,  thou  hast  drained  thy  Master's  cup, 

His  bitter  woes  adored, 
And  by  thy  sufferings  hast  filled  up, 

The  suffering  of  thy  Lord. 

Not  only  on  thy  body  borne 

Thy  Master's  mark  impressed, 

But  He  within  thy  spirit  worn, 
Himself  doth  manifest. 

So,  holy  Paul,  thou  liv'st  no  more, 

Art  dead  with  Him  that  died, 
But  in  thy  bosom  evermore 

Doth  live  the  Crucified. 


FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  93 

O,  in  thy  teaching,  while  we  may, 

Still  may  we  more  abide, 
And  follow  thee,  in  Christ's  blest  way, 

The  follower,  and  the  guide. 

Grant  this,  0  Thou,  in  spirit  One, 

Thrice  holy,  One  and  Three, 
And  ever  be  to  Thee  alone, 

All  glory  be  to  Thee! 

Epistle. 

As  dying,  and,  behold,  we  live;  as  chastened,  and  not 

killed; 
As  sorrowful,  yet  alway  rejoicing;  as  poor,  yet  making 

many  rich;  as  having  nothing,  and  yet  possessing  all 

things. 

2  Cob.  vi.  9,  10. 


FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

And  be  Thou    my  strong  rock,  and  house  of  defence: 
that  Thou  mayest  save  me. 

Psalm  xxxi.  3. 

Thy  promise,  Lord,  is  our  sure  stay, 

Thy  faith  immoveable, 
To  Thee  we  turn  at  dawning  day, 

To  Thee  our  wants  we  tell. 

Man's  promise,  in  the  hour  of  need, 
Frail  as  himself  is  found, 

7 


94  FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY, 

Which  fails,  and  like  a  broken  reed, 
The  leaning  hand  doth  wound. 

Blessed  is  he,  who  in  Thy  breast 

Himself  doth  wholly  hide, 
No  whirlwind's  power  shall  break  their  rest, 

Who  in  that  Rock  abide. 

Let  our  hearts  fail,  Thy  hand  shall  hold 

With  sacramental  ties; 
Hope,  on  the  mighty  pledge  made  bold, 

To  endless  good  doth  rise. 

Springs  to  Thy  throne  on  Mercy's  gleam, 

And  casts  aside  her  care, 
And  drinks  of  the  celestial  stream, 

That  flows  for  ever  there. 

Of  grace,  adored  Trinity, 

The  everlasting  spring, 
Sole  hope  of  safety,  unto  Thee 

With  our  whole  heart  we  cling. 

Epistle. 

For  Thou  art  my  strong  rock,  and  my  castle:  be  Thou 
also  my  guide,  and  lead  me  for  Thy  Name's  sake. 

Psalm  xxxi.  4. 


SIXTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  95 


SIXTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

Make  me  a  clean  heart,  O  God:  and  renew  a  right  epirit 
within  me. 

Psalm  li.  10. 

Lord,  dare  we  pray  Thee  dwell  within 
Our  hearts,  defiled  by  wilful  sin? 
Signed  with  the  cross  in  childhood's  morn, 
Adopted  sons,  and  soldiers  sworn; 
Then  fostered  by  Thy  Church's  care, 
By  praise,  by  teaching,  and  by  prayer: 
Too  soon,  by  youth  and  passion  flushed, 
Baptismal  seeds  of  grace,  we  crushed; 
Bade  Thee,  O  Holy  Ghost,  depart, 
And  gave  to  earth  our  earthly  heart. 
Yet  who,  save  Thee,  can  youth  renew? 
And  quench  its  fires  in  quickening  dew? 
And  who  in  manhood's  noonday  beam, 
Can  lead,  save  Thee,  to  comfort's  stream? 
O,  if  Thou  seest  us  erring  still, 
O  bend  to  Thine,  our  stubborn  will, 
And  bring  us  to  Thy  fold  again, 
J     (If  need)  by  chastisements  and  pain. 
Bring  us,  by  sickness  and  by  health, 
By  tribulation  and  by  wealth; 
Bring  us  by  all  the  powers  of  sense, 
By  all  the  course  of  Providence; 


6  SEVENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

By  inmost  conscience,  not  yet  dumb, 
By  all  the  past,  by  all  to  come; 
By  God's  best  gifts,  His  Son  to  die, 
And  Thee,  our  hearts  to  sanctify. 
Bring  us,  before  our  sun  go  down, 
To  bear  the  cross,  to  win  the  crown. 

Epistle. 

But  lo,  Thou  requirest  truth  in  the  inward  parts:  and 
shalt  make  me  to  understand  wisdom  secretly. 

Psalm  li.  6. 


SEVENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

Let  us  fall  now  into  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  for  His  mer- 
cies are  great:  and  let  me  not  fall  into  the  hand  of 
man. 

2  Samuel  xxiv.  14. 

If  e'er  I  fall  beneath  Thy  rod 

As  through  life's  snares  I  go, 
Save  me  from  David's  lot,  0  God! 

And  choose  Thyself  the  wo. 

How  should  I  face  Thy  plagues?  which  scare 

And  haunt,  and  stun,  until 
The  heart,  or  sinks  in  mute  despair, 

Or  names  a  random  ill. 

If  else — then  guide  in  David's  path, 
Who  chose  the  holier  pain; 


EIGHTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  97 

Satan  and  man  are  tools  of  wrath, 
An  Angel's  scourge  is  gain. 

First  Lesson.    Evening,1 

For  whom  the  Lord  loveth  He  chasteneth,and  scourgeth 
every  son  whom  He  receiveth. 

Hebrews  xii.  6. 


EIGHTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

The  Spirit  itself  beareth  witness  with  our  Spirit,  that 
we  are  the  children  of  God. 

Romans  viii.  16. 

Our  Father,  freed  from  error's  chain, 

May  we  Thy  children  be 
At  the  blest  fountain  born  again 

To  filial  liberty. 

All  things  are  changing,  Thou  the  same, 

Thou  art  our  Heavenly  home; 
Be  hallowed  here  our  Father's  name, 

Until  His  Kingdom  come. 

Lo,  to  Thy  Kingdom  here  below, 

We  little  children  bring, 
For  to  that  Kingdom,  such  we  know, 

The  meetest  offering. 

[i  2  Samuel  xxi.] 


98  NINTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

That  they  in  Thee,  may  here  put  on 

Thy  Kingdom's  panoply, 
And  in  the  path  of  duty  run, 

Like  children  of  the  sky. 

Oft,  as  breaks  out  their  mother's  stain. 
While  they  advance  to  Heaven, 

Children  in  love,  may  they  remain 
Forgiving  and  forgiven. 

Let  naught  allure  them  from  Thy  word, 

Or  tempt  their  spirits  frail, 
But  should  they  fall,  yet,  blessed  Lord, 

Let  evil  not  prevail. 

Epistle. 

Deliver  us  from  evil. 

St.  Luke  xie  4. 


NINTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

Brethren,  I  would  not  that  ye  should  be  ignorant,  hovr 
that  all  our  fathers  were  under  the  cloud,  and  all 
passed  through  the  sea; 

And  were  all  baptized  unto  Moses  in  the  cloud  and  in 

the  sea. 

1  Cor.  s.  1,  2. 

When  Israel  left  the  Egyptian's  land, 
Through  the  Red  sea  they  trod? 


NINTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  99 

The  cloud  above,  was  brooding  o'er, 
The  token  of  their  God. 

Then  man  was  fed  on  Angel's  food, 

For  meat  enough  He  sent, 
Their  drink  was  of  the  living  stream, 

The  rock  that  Moses  rent. 

To  them  were  Ten  Commandments  given 
Their  line  and  course  to  mark, 

Priests  waiting  on  their  guarded  way, 
Their  guide,  the  holy  ark. 

They  journeyed  to  a  promised  land 

Along  a  toilsome  way, 
They  passed  through  Jordan's  parted  stream, 

The  ark  of  God  their  stay. 

A  house  of  bondage  we  have  left, 
Redeemed  from  sin  and  shame, 

By  water,  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
Baptized  into  Christ's  name. 

Our  manna  is  the  living  Bread, 

Which  hath  come  down  from  Heaven, 
The  rock  that  follows,  Christ  the  Lord, 

From  Whom  our  drink  is  given. 

The  Ten  Commandments  mark  our  way, 

And  teach  us  what  to  shun; 
And  Pastors  teach  the  road  to  Heaven, 

As  on  our  course  we  run. 


100  TENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

Our  promised  land  shall  ever  last, 

O  may  our  faith  be  strong! 
That  we  may  never  murmur,  sure 

He  cannot  lead  us  wrong. 

That  so,  when  we  have  passed  the  flood 
This  earth  and  Heaven  between, 

We  find  the  eternal  joy,  the  bliss 
That  eye  hath  never  seen. 

Epistle. 

Now  all  these  things  happened  unto  them  for  ensam- 
ples:  and  they  are  written  for  our  admonition,  upon 
whom  the  ends  of  the  world  are  come. 

1  Cor.'x.  11. 


TENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

And  He  was  transfigured  before  them. 

St.  Matthew  xvii.  2. 

When  Thou  wert  toiling,  Lord,  below, 

Emptied  of  pomp  divine, 
Twice  round  Thee  was  the  outward  show 

Of  triumph  seen  to  shine. 

Once  in  Thy  servant's  dazzled  sight 
Seem'd  Heaven's  high  state  begun, 

Glistering  Thy  raiment  shone  and  white, 
Thy  face  was  as  the  sun. 


TENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  101 

And  once  Thy  people's  fickle  mood 

Raised  the  triumphant  lay, 
11  Hosanna  to  our  King,"  and  strewed 

The  palm-branch  in  Thy  way. 

Upon  the  blissful  mount,  what  word 

Passed  'twixt  Thy  Saints  and  Thee? 

They  spake  how  Thy  decease,  O  Lord, 
Should  soon  accomplished  be. 

And  when  from  hearts  so  often  dumb 

Burst  that  adoring  cry, 
Why  Avert  Thou  then  to  Sion  come? 

To  bow  Thy  head  and  die! 

So  fared  it  in  Thy  early  days; 

*   And  still  Thy  Church's  faith 
Shall  link  in  all  her  prayer  and  praise, 
Thy  glory  with  Thy  death.1 

Gospel. 

And  when  He  was  come  near,  He  beheld  the  city,  and 
wept  over  it, 

St.  Luke  xix.  41. 

[1  "  God  forbid  that  1  should  glory,  save,  in  the  cross 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ."     St.  Paul.] 


102  ELEVENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 


ELEVENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

Lord,  teach  us  to  pray. 

St.  Luke  xi.  1. 

Father,  who  dwell'st  above  the  sun, 

To  Thee  be  glory  given; 
Thy  Kingdom  come,  Thy  will  be  done 

On  earth  as  'tis  in  Heaven. 

The  daily  bread  Thy  hand  bestows, 
Grant  us  this  day  to  share, 

And  as  we  spare  our  guilty  foes, 
Thy  guiltier  children  spare. 

In  pain's  or  pleasure's  trying  hour, 
Do  Thou  our  paths  defend; 

Thine  is  the  Kingdom,  Thine  the  power, 
The  glory  without  end. 

Gospel. 

Ask,  and  it  shall  be  given  you. 

St.  Luke  xi.  9. 


TWELFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  103 


TWELFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

Thou  crownest  the  year  with  Thy  goodness:    and  Thy 
clouds  drop  fatness. 

Psalm  lxv.  12. 

Lord  of  the  Harvest,  once  again 
We  thank  Thee  for  the  ripened  grain, 
For  crops  safe  carried,  sent  to  cheer 
Thy  servants  through  another  year; 
For  all  sweet  holy  thoughts,  supplied 
By  seed-time,  and  by  harvest-tide. 

The  bare,  dead  grain,  in  Autumn  sown, 
Its  robe  of  vernal  green  puts  on; 
Glad  from  its  wintry  grave  it  springs, 
Fresh  garnished  by  the  King  of  Kings; 
So,  Lord,  to  those  who  sleep  in  Thee, 
Shall  new  and  glorious  bodies  be. 

Nor  vainly  of  Thy  word  we  ask, 
A  lesson  from  the  reaper's  task; 
So  shall  Thine  Angels  issue  forth, 
The  tares  be  burnt,  the  just  of  earth, 
Playthings  of  sun  and  storm  no  more, 
Be  gathered  to  their  Father's  store. 

Daily,  O  Lord,  our  prayers  be  said 

As  Thou  hast  taught,  for  "  daily  bread." 


104        THIRTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

But  not  alone  our  bodies  feed, 
Supply  our  fainting  spirits'  need. 
0  bread  of  life,  from  day  to  day, 
Be  Thou  their  comfort,  food,  and  stay! 

Give  us  day  by  day  our  daily  bread. 

St.  Luke  xi.  3. 


THIRTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

Then  shall  the  Assyrian  fall  with  the  sword,  not  of  a 
mighty  man:  and  the  sword,  not  of  a  mean  man, 
shall  devour  him:  but  he  shall  flee  from  the  sword, 
and  his  young  men  shall  be  discomfited. 

Isaiah  xxxi.  8. 

The  Assyrian  King  in  splendour  came 
Determined  Judah's  pride  to  tame, 
Came  to  reproach  and  to  defy 
With  blasphemy,  the  Lord  most  high. 

Then  Hezekiah  wept  and  prayed, 
Before  the  Lord  his  trouble  laid; 
His  prayer  was  heard,  the  monarch  fled, 
As  by  a  hook  and  bridle  led. 

Fled  by  the  way  by  which  he  came, 
Forbade  one  arrow  shot  to  aim, 


FOURTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.         105 

Or  dig  one  trench  before  the  place, 
Thus  guarded  by  Almighty  grace. 

Because  against  the  Lord  employed, 
One  brief  night  saw  his  host  destroyed. 
"When  Judah,  at  the  dawn  arose, 
Dead  corpses  were  their  numerous  foes! 

How  dreadful  is  the  reckoning  hour 
To  those  who  scorn  Almighty  power! 
How  great  His  mercy  and  His  grace, 
To  those  who  ever  seek  His  face! 

First  Lesson.     Morning.1 

Visiting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  upon  the  children 
unto  the  third  and  fourth  generation  of  them  that 
hate  Me; 

And  showing  mercy  unto  thousands  of  them  that  love 
Me,  and  keep  My  commandments. 

Exodus  xx.  5,  6. 


FOURTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

But  the  greatest  of  these  is  Charity. 

1  Cob.  xiii.  13. 

Great  Mover  of  all  hearts,  whose  hand 
Doth  all  the  secret  springs  command 
Of  human  thought  and  will, 
[l  2  Kings  xix.] 


106       FOURTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

Thou,  since  the  world  was  made,  dost  bless 
Thy  Saints  with  fruits  of  holiness, 
Their  order  to  fulfil. 

Faith,  Hope,  and  Love,  here  weave  one  chain, 
But  Love  alone  shall  then  remain, 

When  this  short  day  is  gone: 
O  love,  O  truth,  O  endless  light, 
When  shall  we  see  Thy  sabbath  bright, 

With  all  our  labours  done? 

We  sow  'mid  perils  here,  and  tears; 
There,  the  glad  hand  the  harvest  bears, 

Which  here  in  grief  hath  sown. 
O  Lord  our  God,  the  increase  give, 
And  these  Thy  gifts,  by  which  we  live, 

With  Heavenly  glory  crown! 

Collect. 

He  that  now  goeth  on  his  way  weeping,  and  beareth 
forth  good  seed:  shall  doubtless  come  again  with  joy, 
and  bring  his  sheaves  with  him. 

i'SALM  cxxvi.  7. 


FIFTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.    107 


FIFTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

Casting  all  your  care  upon  Him;  for  He  careth  for  you 

1  Peteb  v.  7. 

O  Lord!  how  happy  should  we  be 
If  we  could  cast  our  care  on  Thee, 

If  we  from  self  could  rest; 
And  feel  at  heart,  that  One  above 
In  perfect  wisdom,  perfect  love, 

Is  working  for  the  best. 

How  far  from  this  our  daily  life! 
Ever  disturbed  by  anxious  strife, 

By  sudden,  wild  alarms; 
O  could  we  but  relinquish  all 
Our  earthly  props,  and  simply  fall 

On  Thy  Almighty  arms! 

Could  we  but  kneel,  and  cast  our  load, 
E'en  while  we  pray,  upon  our  God, 

Then  rise  with  lightened  cheer, 
Sure  that  the  Father,  who  is  nigh 
To  still  the  famished  raven's  cry, 

Will  hear  in  that  we  fear.1 

We  cannot  trust  Him  as  we  should, 
So  chafes  fallen  nature's  restless  mood, 
To  cast  its  peace  away; 

[i  Hebrews  v.  7.] 


108         SIXTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

Yet  birds  and  flowerets  round  us  preach, 
All  all,  the  present  evil,  teach, 
Sufficient  for  the  day. 

Lord,  make  these  faithless  hearts  of  ours 
Such  lessons  learn  from  birds  and  flowers, 

Make  them  from  self  to  cease, 
Leave  all  things  to  a  Father's  will, 
And  taste,  before  Him  lying  still, 

E'en  in  affliction,  peace. 

Gospel. 

Thou  shalt  keep  him  in  perfect  peace,  whose  mind  is 
stayed  on  Thee. 

Isaiah  xxvi.  3. 


SIXTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

If  in  this  life  only  we  have  hope  in  Christ,  we  are  of 
all  men  most  miserable. 

1  Cor.  xv.  19. 

Who  says  the  widow's  heart  must  break? 

The  childless  mother  sink? 
A  kinder,  truer  voice  I  hear, 
Which  even  beside  that  mournful  bier, 

Whence  parents'  eyes  would  hopeless  shrink, 

Bids  weep  no  more.     O  heart  bereft, 
How  strange  to  thee  that  sound! 


SEVENTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.       109 

A  widow  o'er  her  only  son, 
Feeling  more  bitterly  alone, 

For  friends  that  press  officious  round. 

Yet  is  the  voice  of  comfort  heard, 

For  Christ  hath  touched  the  bier, 
The  bearers  wait  with  wondering  eye, 
The  swelling  bosom  dares  not  sigh, 
But  all  is  still  'twixt  hope  and  fear. 

Unchanged  that  voice — and  though  not  yet 

The  dead  sit  up  and  speak 
Answering  its  call; — we  gladlier  rest 
Our  darlings  on  earth's  quiet  breast, 

And  our  hearts  feel  they  must  not  break. 

Gospel. 

For  if  we  have  been  planted  together  in  the  likeness 
of  His  death,  we  shall  be  also  in  the  likeness  of  His 
resurrection. 

Romans  vi.  5. 


SEVENTEENTH   SUNDAY  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

Endeavouring  to  keep  the  unity  of  the    Spirit  in    the 
bond  of  peace. 

Ephesians  iv.  3. 

Lord,  in  Thy  Kingdom  there  shall  be 
No  aliens  from  each  other, 
8 


110      SEVENTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

But  even  as  he  loves  himself, 

Each  saint  shall  love  his  brother. 

When  in  Thy  courts  we  meet,  below, 
To  mourn  our  sinful  living, 

And  with  one  mingling  voice  repeat, 
Confession,  Creed,  Thanksgiving; 

Make  us  to  hear  in  each  sweet  word, 

Thy  Holy  Spirit  calling 
To  oneness  with  Thy  Church  and  Thee ; 

That  heavenly  bond  forestalling. 

One  baptism,  one  faith  have  we, 

One  Spirit  sent  to  win  us; 
One  Lord,  one  Father,  and  one  God, 

Above,  and  through,  and  in  us. 

Never,  by  schism  or  by  sin, 

May  we  that  union  sever, 
'Till  all,  to  perfect  stature  grown, 

Are  one  with  Thee  for  ever. 

Epistle. 

Till  we  all  come  in  the  unity  of  the  faith,  and  of  the 
knowledge  of  the  Son  of  God,  unto  a  perfect  man,  unto 
the  measure  of  the  stature  of  the  fulness  of  Christ. 

Eph.  iv.  13. 


EIGHTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.        Ill 


EIGHTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

For  the  fashion  of  this  world  passeth  away. 

1  Cor.  vii.  31H 

Praise  Him,  who  made  us  at  the  first, 

And  still  our  life  sustains; 
For  us,  He  in  His  treasures  nurst 

Fresh  breezes,  genial  rains. 

But  chiefly  praise  Him,  that  His  love 

Created  us  anew, 
And  bade  His  graces  from  above 

Drop  soft  as  evening  dew. 

Praise  Him  for  all  His  seasons  round, 

Turning  man's  toil  to  gain; 
By  each  alike  with  fatness  crowned, 

Ripe  droops  the  golden  grain. 

And  praise  Him,  that  the  seed  He  forms 

In  us  to  fruit  He  brings, 
Alike  by  sunshine  and  by  storms, 

Life's  winters  and  its  springs. 

Praise  Him  for  yon  refreshing  light, 

Our  daily  labour's  guide; 
Praise  Him,  who  having  formed  our  sight, 

Scenes  meet  for  sight  supplied- 


112      EIGHTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

And  praise  Him  that,  through  Christ,  no  more 

Our  spirit's  eyes  are  dim, 
That  shadowy  hopes  just  glimpsed  before, 

Are  now  made  clear  in  Him. 

Praise  Him,  that  e'en  on  earth  awhile 

Some  forms  of  beauty  glow; 
And  praise  Him  for  their  short-lived  smile, 

Less  swift  to  come  than  go. 

They  come  as  types  of  heavenly  bliss, 

They  fade  away  and  die, 
Lest  we  should  rest  in  them,  and  miss 

The  good  they  typify. 

All  lovely  things  of  earth  depart;1 
Yet  praise  Him  who  has  given 

Their  forms  to  raise  the  loving  heart, 
Its  stepping-stones  to  Heaven! 

Let  every  thing  that  hath  breath,  praise  the  Lord. 

Psalm  cl.  6. 

[1  Two  such — none  ever  lovelier  of  "  the  lovely  things 
of  earth  ' ' — in  little  more  than  two  short  years,  have  fallen 
by  my  side,  and  from  rny  heart.  I  name  them  not: 
but  when  these  lines  first  met  me,  in  the  freshness  of  my 
latest  loss,  I  felt  that  they  were  sent  to  comfort  me,  and 
I  must  own  the  consolation.  What  must  Heaven  be, 
when  such  are  "  stepping  stones,"  to  reach  it !  May  it 
be  so,  through  the  prevailing  value  of  His  Cross — Eve 
of  St.  Mark,  1842. 


NINETEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.       113 


NINETEENTH   SUNDAY  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

Whom  resist,  steadfast  in  the  faith. 

1  Peter  v.  9. 

Thou  knowest,  Lord,  that  they 
Who  seek  our  souls  to  slay, 

Are  mightier  far  than  we: 
O,  strong  to  save  from  harm, 
Thy  fainting  servants  arm 

With  Thine  own  panoply. 

O'er  rugged  ways  we  toil; 
Then  let  our  feet  the  while, 

With  Gospel  peace  be  shod; 
And  in  our  hands,  O  Lord, 
Bear  we  Thy  Spirit's  sword, 

The  living  word  of  God. 

Give  us  the  shield  of  faith; 
So  darts  of  hell  and  death 

Shall  round  us  harmless  fall: 
And  when  we  faint,  let  prayer 
Thy  messenger  be  there, 

On  Thee  for  strength  to  call. 

Dark  is  the  vale  we  tread 
Among  the  living  dead, 


114        TWENTIETH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

Who  live  not,  Lord,  to  Thee: 
Hell's  ambushed  archers  lurk 
In  thought,  and  word,  and  work, 

To  smite  us  mortally. 

God,  and  the  Virgin's  Son! 
Thou  hast  the  victory  won; 

With  us  in  battle  be: 
Who  shall  Thy  conquests  stay, 
'Till  at  Thy  feet  Thou  lay 

Death,  Thy  last  enemy? 

Collect. 

Take  unto  you  the  whole  armour  of  God. 

Eph.  vi.  1& 


TWENTIETH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

Now  therefore  ye  are  no  more  strangers  and  foreigners,, 
but  fellow-citizens  with  the  saints,  and  of  the  house- 
hold of  God; 

And  are  built  upon  the  foundation  of  the  Apostles  and 
Prophets,  Jesus  Christ  Himself  being  the  chief  Corner- 
stone. 

Eph.  ii.  19,  20. 

Lord,  if  to  Thee  Thy  Church  of  yore 
Looked  on  with  eager  gaze, 

Shall  she  not  look,  and  worship  more* 
In  these  her  latter  days? 


TWENTY-FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.     115 

If  then,  through  all  her  onward  track, 
To  Thee  her  journeyings  tend, 

Still  finds  she  in  Thee,  looking  back, 
Perfection,  object,  end! 

In  Thee  she  sees  the  life  of  faith, 
Through  danger  and  distress 

Her  perfect  pattern — in  Thy  death 
Her  perfect  righteousness. 

Built  up  by  grace,  in  Thee  alone 

She  stands,  without  Thee,  dead; 

A  temple,  Christ  its  Corner-stone; 
A  body,  Christ  its  Head. 

In  whom  all  the  building,  fitly  framed  together,  groweth 

unto  a  holy  temple  in  the  Lord  : 
In  whom  ye  also  are  builded  together  for  a  habitation 

of  God  through  the  Spirit.  Eph.  ii.  21,  22. 


TWENTY-FIRST   SUNDAY   AFTER 
TRINITY. 

For  we  wrestle  not  against  flesh  and  blood,  but  against 
principalities,  against  powers,  against  the  rulers  of  the 
darkness  of  this  world,  against  spiritual  wickedness  in 
high  places.  Eph.  vi.  12. 

Into  Christ's  flock  we  are  received, 
And  signed  with  His  sign, 


116     TWENTY-FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.. 

In  token  that  we  shall  not  shun 
To  do  His  will  divine. 

To  fight  with  sin,  the  world,  and  flesh, 
Beneath  His  bannered  cross; 

To  scorn  the  world  and  its  delights, 
Nor  fear  the  shame  and  loss. 

Our  fight  begins  in  earliest  youth, 
In  childhood  we  must  wear 

Our  armour  'gainst  the  wary  foe, 
And  for  the  fight  prepare. 

High  faith  in  Him,  our  shield  must  be, 
To  quench  all  fiery  darts, 

Temptations  of  the  evil  one 

To  gain  our  wavering  hearts. 

Our  helmet  is  His  saving  grace, 
Our  sword  the  word  of  God; 

Our  Lord  Himself  that  help  did  use, 
When  the  same  way  He  trod. 

Our  eye  in  Heaven  is  fixed  in  hope, 
For  help  and  comfort  there; 

Onward  we  press  upon  our  way, 
Help  granted  to  our  prayer. 


TWENTY-SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.    117 

Then  may  we  stand,  in  the  last  day, 

When  we  have  done  our  best; 
Hoping  through  Him  to  be  forgiven, 
And  taken  to  His  rest. 

Epistle. 

Be  strong  in  the  Lord,  and  in  the  power  of  His  might. 

Eph.  vi.  10. 


TWENTY-SECOND   SUNDAY  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

For  1  am  now  ready  to  be  offered,  and  the  time  of  my 
departure  is  at  hand. 

2  Tim.  iv.  6. 

Enough,  0  Paul,  enough;  and  now 
A  crown  in  Heaven  awaits  thy  brow, 
Thy  earthly  toils  are  nearly  done, 
Thy  heavenly  prize  is  all  but  won; 
Long  tossed  by  ills,  on  land  and  sea, 
The  shore  is  all  but  gained  by  thee. 

Long  time,  'mid  stonings,  rods,  and  chains, 
Wratchings,  and  cares,  and  dying  pains, 
Thee  Christ  upon  His  Cross  doth  hold, 
In  daily  dyings  now  grown  old; 


118      TWENTY-THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

He  bids  thee  now,  no  more  remain, 
And  unto  thee,  to  die  is  gain. 

Love's  tender  bowels  yearning  strong, 
They  for  whom  thou  didst  toil  so  long 
In  travailings  of  second  birth, 
Thy  children  hold  thee  still  to  earth: 
The  time  for  thy  release  is  come, 
And  ready  is  thy  heavenly  home. 

When  'mid  the  twelve,  thy  throne  is  set, 
And  we  shall  be  for  judgment  met; 
May  we,  whom  from  the  dead  of  night 
God  calls  in  thee  to  see  His  light, 
For  ever  with  the  Angelic  host, 
Sing  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost. 

Epistle. 

I  have  finished  my  course,  I  have  kept  the  faith. 

2  Tim.  iv.  7. 


TWENTY-THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

We  all  do  fade  as  a  leaf;  and  our  iniquities,  like  the  wind, 
have  taken  us  away. 

Isaiah  lxiv.  6. 

See,  the  leaves  around  us  falling, 
Dry  and  withered,  to  the  ground; 


TWENTY-THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.     119 

Thus  to  thoughtless  mortals  calling, 
With  a  sad  and  solemn  sound; — 

"  Sons  of  Adam,  (once  in  Eden, 
Where  like  us  he  blighted  fell,) 

Hear  the  lesson  we  are  reading; 
Mark  the  awful  truth  we  tell: 

"Youths,  on  length  of  days  presuming, 
Who  the  paths  of  pleasure  tread, 

View  us  late  in  beauty  blooming, 
Numbered  now  among  the  dead. 

"  What  though  yet  no  losses  grieve  you, 
Gay  with  health  and  many  a  grace: 

Let  not  cloudless  skies  deceive  you; 
Summer  gives  to  Autumn  place. 

"  Yearly  in  our  course  returning, 

Messengers  of  shortest  stay; 
Still  we  bid  frail  man  be  learning; 

*  Heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away.' " 

On  the  tree  of  life  eternal, 

O  let  all  our  hopes  be  laid! 
This  alone  for  ever  vernal, 

Bears  a  leaf  that  may  not  fade. 

The  grass  withereth,  the  flower  fadeth:  but  the  word 
of  our  God  shall  stand  for  ever. 

Isaiah  zl.  8. 


120   TWENTY-FOURTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 


TWENTY-FOURTH  SUNDAY  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

Lord,  I  believe;  help  Thou  mine  unbelief. 

Mark  ix.  24. 

0  Lord!  across  our  path  of  wo 

Some  rays  of  heavenly  comfort  fling: 

Increase  of  love,  and  faith  bestow, 

And  they  their  sister,  hope,  shall  bring. 

We  wander  in  perplexing  ways; 

The  tempter  prompts  us  to  despair; 
In  murmuring  seeks  to  stifle  praise, 

In  hopelessness  to  stifle  prayer. 

It  is  in  love,  O  Lord,  we  fail 

For  ever;  by  love's  glances  keen 

In  death,  and  sorrow's  darkest  vale, 

Thy  mercies  through  the  mist  are  seen. 

O  Lord!  we  are  of  little  faith! 

If  Thou,  indeed,  hast  sent  from  Heaven 
Thy  Son  for  man  to  suffer  death, 

Hast  Thou  not  all  things  with  Him  given? 

Teach  us  that  wondrous  love  to  feel; 

So  when  a  sword  has  pierced  us  through, 


TWENTY-FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.       121 

That  thought  doubt's  maddening  wound  shall  heal, 
And  kindle  dying  hope  anew. 

Though  He  slay  me,  yet  will  I  trust  in  Him. 

Job  xiii.  15. 


TWENTY-FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

And  when  He  had  sent  them  away,  He  departed  into  a 
mountain  to  pray. 

Mark  vi.  46. 

11  Come  to  a  desert  place  apart, 

And  rest  a  little  while:" 
So  spake  the  Christ,  when  limbs  and  heart, 

Waxed  faint  and  sick  through  toil. 

High  communings  with  God  He  sought, 
But,  where  He  sought  them,  found 

The  restless  crowd  together  brought, 
And  labour's  weary  round. 

Then,  not  a  thought  to  self  was  given, 
Nor  breathed  a  word  of  blame; 

He  fed  their  souls  with  bread  from  Heaven, 
Then  stayed  their  sinking  frame. 

Turned  He,  when  that  long  task  was  done, 
To  sleep  fatigue  away? 


122      TWENTY-SIXTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

When  on  the  desert  sank  the  sun, 
The  Saviour  waked  to  pray. 

O  perfect  pattern  from  above, 

So  strengthen  us,  that  ne'er 
Prayer  keep  us  back  from  works  of  love, 

Nor  works  of  love  from  prayer. 

My  meat  is  to  do  the  will  of  Him  that  sent  Me,  and  to 
finish  his  work. 

St.  John  iv.  34. 


TWENTY-SIXTH  SUNDAY  AFTER 
TRINITY. 

Few  and  evil  have  the  days  of  the  years  of  My  life  been. 

Genesis  xlvii.  9. 

As  o'er  the  past  my  memory  strays, 

Why  heaves  the  secret  sigh? 
'Tis  that  I  mourn  departed  days, 

Still  unprepared  to  die. 

The  world,  and  worldly  things  beloved, 
My  anxious  thoughts  employed; 

While  time,  unhallowed,  unimproved, 
Presents  a  fearful  void. 

Yet,  holy  Father,  wild  despair 

Chase  from  this  labouring  breast: 


saint  Andrew's  day.  123 

Thy  grace  it  is  which  prompts  the  prayer, 
That  grace  can  do  the  rest. 

My  life's  best  remnant  all  be  Thine; 

And  when  Thy  sure  decree 
Bids  me  this  fleeting  breath  resign, 

O,  speed  my  soul  to  Thee! 

When  the  wicked  man  turneth  away  from  his  wicked- 
ness that  he  hath  committed,  and  doeth  that  which  is 
lawful  and  right,  he  shall  save  his  soul  alive. 

Ezekiel  xviii.  27. 


SAINT  ANDREW'S  DAY. 

How  beautiful  upon  the  mountains  are  the  feet  of  him 
that  bringeth  good  tidings,  that  publisheth  peace. 

Isaiah  lii.  7. 

Ye  captains  of  a  heavenly  host, 

Ye  princes  of  a  heavenly  hall, 
Stars  of  the  world,  in  darkness  lost, 

And  judges  at  its  funeral. 

Lights  rising  o'er  a  wintry  night, 

With  tidings  of  eternal  youth, 
On  error's  long-bewildered  sight, 

Emerging  with  the  lamp  of  truth. 

Captains,  but  not  of  spear  and  shield, 
No  rebel  hosts  with  steel  to  tame, 

No  arms  of  eloquence  to  wield, 

Naught  but  the  lowly  cross  of  shame. 


124  SAINT  THOMAS  THE  APOSTLE. 

The  chain  is  riven,  and  broke  the  rod, 
The  world's  long,  stern  captivity, 

And  we  are  free  to  serve  our  God, 
Whose  yoke,  alone,  is  liberty. 

To  distant  lands  His  heralds  fleet, 
By  God's  mysterious  presence  led; 

How  beauteous  are  their  passing  feet 
Like  morn,  upon  the  mountains  spread. 

Their  sound  is  gone  out  into  all  lands,  their  words  into 
the  ends  of  the  world. 

Psalm  xix.  4. 


SAINT  THOMAS  THE  APOSTLE. 

Thomas,  because  thou  hast  seen  Me.  thou  hast  believed: 
blessed  are  they  that  have  not  seen,  and  yet  have 
believed. 

St.  John  xx.  29. 

Why  lived  I  not  in  those  blest  days, 
When  men  could  see  their  Lord? 

They  felt  His  hand,  they  saw  His  face, 
And  heard  His  holy  word. 

But  if  no  more  we  hear  His  voice, 
Yet  still  to  us  he  calls; 

His  messengers  prepare  His  way, 
And  speak  within  His  walls. 

He  will  embrace  us  with  his  arms 
Of  mercy,  great  and  free, 


CONVERSION  OF  SAINT  PAUL.  125 

He  will  protect  us,  who  once  said, 
"Let  infants  come  to  Me." 

And  though  the  Son  to  Heaven  is  gone, 

The  Comforter  is  given, 
In  the  right  path  to  lead  us  on, 

And  teach  the  way  to  Heaven. 

Besides,  His  very  voice  on  earth, 
Not  all  would  own  nor  heed, 

And  Thomas  doubted  still  the  word, 
"  The  Lord  is  risen  indeed." 

Blessed  who  feel  their  quiet  way 

In  faith,  and  not  in  sight, 
Who  lean  upon  His  unseen  grace, 

And  walk  by  His  true  light. 

For  we  through  the  Spirit  wait  for  the  hope  of  righ- 
teousness by  faith. 

Galatians  v.  5. 


CONVERSION  OF  SAINT  PAUL. 

Saul,  Saul,  why  persecutest  thou  Me? 

Acts  ix.  4. 

The  Shepherd  smitten  is,  and  lo! 

His  flock,  the  wolf  is  scattering  wide; 
For  Saul  as  yet  doth  little  know, 

He  wounds,  in  them,  a  Saviour's  side. 
9 


126  CONVERSION  OF  SAINT  PAUL. 

Prisons,  and  chains,  and  murd'rous  wrath 
He  breathes,  where  stern  religion  calls, 

But  one  soft  word  has  crossed  his  path, 
And  on  the  ground  he  stricken  falls. 

Saul,  Saul,  whence  art  thou?  why  so  keen 
To  persecute  Christ's  little  band? 

Why  wage  thy  war  with  power  unseen? 
The  arm  Almighty,  why  withstand? 

Lo!  forth  he  spreads  beseeching  hands, 
Prepared  his  Saviour's  yoke  to  bear, 

Asks  trembling  for  the  Lord's  commands, 
What  wouldst  Thou  have  me  do,  declare. 

Fallen  is  the  fierce  despoiler  now, 

And  conquered  lies  the  conqueror  dread, 

Now  meekly  droops  the  threatening  brow, 
For  the  Redeemer's  triumph  led. 

Lord,  'twas  Thy  voice,  the  tone  that  shakes 
Great  Lebanon,  like  leaf  in  breeze, 

It  goeth  forth  from  Thee,  and  breaks 
The  Heaven-aspiring  cedar-trees, 

Good  Shepherd,  keep  us  as  of  old, 

If  Thou  shouldst  aught  of  harm  discern; 

And  if  we  wander  from  Thy  fold, 
Again  to  Thee  our  bosoms  turn. 

Glory  to  God,  both  One  and  Three, 
Who  saw  us  laid  in  dead  of  night} 


THE  PURIFICATION.  127 

All  praise  and  glory  be  to  Thee, 

Who  call'st  us  thence  to  glorious  light. 

Lord,  what  wilt  Thou  have  me  to  do? 

Acts  ix.  6. 


THE  PURIFICATION. 

The  glory  of  this  latter  house  shall  be  greater  than  of  the 
former,  saith  the  Lord  of  Hosts:  and  in  this  place  will 
I  give  peace,  saith  the  Lord  of  Hosts. 

Haggai  ii.  9. 

Sion,  ope  Thy  hallowed  dome, 
To  His  temple  Christ  is  come; 
Lifeless  shadows,  haste  away, 
Grace  and  truth  beam  out  to-day. 

Flocks  and  herds  shall  bleed  no  more, 
Stanched  the  flood  of  reeking  gore; 
Lo!  He  comes  from  Heaven  above, 
Victim  to  His  Father's  love. 

Virgin  pure,  thy  down-cast  eye, 
Owns  His  hidden  Godhead  nigh; 
Heavenly  musings  all  unheard, 
Meetly  hail  the  silent  word; 

While  to  Heaven  thy  pious  love 
Duly  vows  the  sacred  dove, 
And  upon  thy  bosom  lies 
More  than  dove-like  sacrifice. 


128 

Sire  and  sister,  age  and  youth, 
Kindle  at  the  mighty  truth: 
And  the  blissful  presence  own, 
Panting  Faith  so  long  has  known. 

Lord,  now  lettest  Thou  Thy  servant  depart  in  peace,  ac- 
cording to  Thy  word: 
For  mine  eyes  have  seen  Thy  salvation! 

St,  Luke  i.  29. 


SAINT   MATTHIAS'S  DAY. 

And  the  lot  fell  upon  Matthias;  and  he  was  numbered 
with  the  eleven  Apostles. 

Acts  i.  2b'. 

Jesus,  who  caused  the  lot  to  fall, 
And  thus  this  holy  saint  did  call, 

His  staff  to  hold, 
Gave  charge  of  His  own  ransomed  sheep, 
By  the  great  Father  given  to  keep; 

His  guarded  fold. 

He  knows  them  all,  of  them  is  known, 
He  knows,  and  goes  before  His  own, 

By  stream  and  rock 
To  lead,  and  sheltered  pastures  give; 
They  hear,  they  follow,  and  they  live, 

A  gentle  flock. 


saint  Matthias's  day.  129 

When  one  hath  wandered  from  His  sight, 
He  seeketh  it  both  day  and  night, 

The  mountains  round; 
And  joy  repayeth  all  His  fears, 
When  to  the  fold  He  homeward  bears 

The  lost,  and  found. 

The  roaring  beasts  He  drives  afar, 

And  wolves  that  with  more  treacherous  war 

Come  prowling  nigh: 
Their  guileful  arts  He  knows  full  well, 
Ready  with  His  dear  flock  to  dwell, 

For  them  to  die. 

All  praise  to  Thee,  the  Priest  supreme, 
Through  whom  alone  all  blessings  stream, 

The  Eternal  Son; 
And  may  Thy  ransomed  heritage, 
The  glory  sing  from  age  to  age, 

God,  Three  in  One. 


Feed  My  sheep. 

St.  John  xxi.  17. 


130  THE  ANNUNCIATION. 


THE  ANNUNCIATION. 

My  soul  doth  magnify  the  Lord, 

And  my  spirit  hath  rejoiced  in  God  my  Saviour. 

For  He  hath  regarded  the  low  estate  of  His  handmaiden  ; 

for,  behold,  from  henceforth,  all  generations  shall  call 

me  blessed. 

St,  Luke  i.  46 — 48. 

Blessed  was  she.  on  whose  retirement  broke 

That  Angel  form,  the  star-portending  morn; 
And  blessed  she,  upon  whose  bosom  woke 

And  slept  the  Eternal  Child,  the  Virgin-born, 
Who,  like  a  robe,  the  heaven  of  heavens  had  worn: 
But  O  more  blessed,  Lord,  by  Thy  dear  Name, 
Is  he  who  hears  Thy  word,  and  keeps  the  same. 

For  not  in  thee,  thou  maiden-mother  mild, 
As  superstition  deemed;  'tis  not  in  thee 

That  we  rejoice,  meek  mother  undented, 
But  in  our  Cod  alone,  both  thou  and  we; 
For  thou  wast  compassed  with  humanity, 

And  Christ  alone,  thy  light,  thy  strength,  thy  tower. 

Thine  innocence,  thy  victory,  thy  dower. 

Nor  at  thy  feet  adore  we,  though  so  bright 
Upon  thy  head  the  gleams  of  ages  pour; 

But  with  that  Church  rejoice,  whose  orient  light 
Shadowed  thee  forth  in  women  famed  of  yore; 
With  Hannah  sung,  and  Miriam,  on  the  shore, 


SAINT  MARK'S  DAY.  131 

"The  Lord  Himself  hath  triumphed  gloriously, 
And  thrown  the  horse  and  rider  in  the  sea." 

For  whosoever  shall  do  the  will  of  God,  the   same  is 
My  brother,  and  My  sister,  and  mother. 

St.  Mark  iii.  35. 


SAINT  MARK'S   DAY, 

They  that  patiently  abide  the  Lord,  those  shall  inherit 
the  land. 

Psalm  xxxvii.  9. 

Blest  are  the  poor  in  spirit,  vile  and  low 
In  their  own  eyes;  who  their  own  frailties  know; 
The  humblest  here  are  highest  in  God's  sight; 
Theirs  is  the  glorious  realm  of  endless  night. 

Blessed  are  they  who  mourn,  whose  sighs,  their 

own 
And  others'  sins,  with  bitterness  bemoan: 
They  sow  in  tears,  and  from  each  tear  they  weep, 
They  shall  a  thousand-fold  of  comfort  reap. 

Blest  are  the  meek,  of  gentle  soul  and  sweet, 
Who  unembittered,  foes  and  scorners  greet; 
Theirs  is  earth's  heritage,  again  to  know 
Adam's  lost  right  to  peace  and  joy  below. 


132  saint  mark's  day. 

Blest  are  all  they  who  thirst  and  hunger  feel 
For  righteousness;  who  with  unwearied  zeal 
Strive  the  just  God's  bright  image  to  regain, 
And  purge  themselves  from  their  congenial1  stain. 

Blest  are  the  merciful,  whose  melting  eyes 
With  others'  griefs  benignly  sympathize; 
They  mercy  shall  obtain,  and  all  their  woes 
God  for  their  good  shall  graciously  dispose. 

Blest  are  the  pure  in  heart,  who  have  refined 
Each  thought,  each  yearning  of  the  baser  mind; 
They  shall  of  God  have  beatific  sight, 
Who  only  in  pure  votaries  takes  delight. 

Blest  are  the  peace-makers,  who  sweetly  strive 
Fraternal,  mutual  dearness  to  revive; 
They  shall  be  called  God's  children,  in  them  best 
The  God  of  peace  His  likeness  sees  expressed. 

Blessed  are  they  who  persecuted  are, 
Who  martyrdom  for  love  of  Jesus  bear: 
The  heavenly  kingdom  is  more  firmly  theirs; 
Of  higher  bliss,  and  brighter  mansions  heirs. 

And  they  had  white  robes,  and  palms  in  their  hands. 

Rev.  vii.  9t 
£1  Native,  inborn,] 


SAINT  PHILIP  AND  SAINT  JAMES'S  DAY.       133 


SAINT  PHILIP  AND  SAINT  JAMES'S  DAY. 

Finally,  my  brethren,  be  strong  in  the  Lord,  and  in  the 
power  of  His  might.  Eph.  vi.  10. 

Now  the  hour  is  drawing  near, 
Which  your  Master  shall  remove; 

Little  children  do  not  fear, 
He  shall  not  forego  His  love; 

With  the  bannered  cross  unfurled, 

Fear  no  tumults  of  the  world. 

When  He  wills,  the  parting  storm 

Shall  an  azure  sky  disclose; 
Thence  shall  stoop  joy's  deathless  form, 

Smiling  on  your  vanished  woes; 
While  the  world's  brief  pleasures  flow 
To  the  sea  of  endless  wo. 

He  who  as  a  brother  died, 

And  in  the  cold  grave  below 
Laid  Him  by  His  brethren's  side, 

He  shall  hence  before  you  go, 
And  take  you  with  Him  to  dwell 
In  Godhead  unapproachable. 

May  we  here,  Lord,  die  with  Thee, 
And  with  Thy  true  wisdom  wise, 

Put  on  immortality, 
Having  wisdom  in  the  skies; 


134  SAINT  BARNABAS  THE  APOSTLE. 

Where  all  things  with  one  accord, 
Sing  the  triune  holy  Lord. 

In  My  Father's  house  are  many  mansions:  I  go  to  pre- 
pare a  place  for  you. 

St.  John  xiv.  2. 


SAINT  BARNABAS  THE  APOSTLE. 

Blessed  is  he  that  considereth  the  poor  and  needy:  the 
Lord  shall  deliver  him  in  the  time  of  trouble. 

Psalm  xli.  1. 

Crowned  with  immortal  jubilee, 

Thy  soul  this  day  set  free, 
To  the  calm  heavens  from  earth  did  pass, 

O  holy  Barnabas! 

He  for  whose  sake,  at  whose  dear  call 

Thou  gavest  up  thine  all, 
He  shall  thine  all,  thy  treasure  be, 

Lasting  eternally. 

'Mid  fasting,  prayer,  and  holy  hands, 

Lo!  'mid  the  saints  he  stands, 
The  Spirit's  high  behest  to  bear, 

Christ's  Heaven-sent  messenger. 

Thou  hast  with  Paul  in  labour  stood 

Blest  bond  of  brotherhood! 
One  in  the  mandate  sent  from  high, 

And  one  in  charity. 


SAINT  JOHN  BAPTIST'S  DAY.  135 

Lord,  when  to  us  an  offered  guest 

Shall  come  that  Spirit  blest, 
Let  not  our  hearts  Heaven's  bounty  slight, 

Deeming  their  darkness  light! 

Howbeit  when  He,  the  Spirit  of  Truth,  is  come,  He  will 
guide  you  into  all  truth. 

St.  John  xvi.  13. 


SAINT  JOHN  BAPTIST'S  DAY. 

Behold  the  Lamb  of  God,  that  taketh  away  the  sin  of 
the  world. 

St.  John  i.  29. 
Judea's  desert  heard  a  sound, 

Of  one  that  cried  aloud; 
They  nocked  the  holy  John  around, 
With  sin  and  sadness  bowed. 

Lo,  'mid  that  guilty  company 

A  sinless  Lamb  drew  near, 
His  blood  alone  that  crowd  can  free 

From  guilt,  and  shame,  and  fear. 

Before  the  sun,  a  taper  dim, 

John  stands,  and  meekly  pleads, 

Nor  pours  the  hallowing  wave;  of  Him 
The  Baptist  washing  needs. 


136  saint  peter's  day. 

But  to  obey  his  God  'tis  meet, 

Though  He  Himself  depress, 
Prepared  all  fulness  to  complete, 

Perfect  in  righteousness. 

Confessor,  and  great  harbinger, 

Thou,  Baptist  of  the  wave; 
The  Baptist  He,  of  living  fire, 

The  secret  soul  to  lave! 

To  Him  who  washed  us  with  His  blood, — 

As  hath  been  heretofore, — 
To  Father,  and  to  Spirit  good, 

Be  glory  evermore! 

I  have  need  to  be  baptized  of  Thee,  and  comest  Thou 
to  me? 

St.  Matthew  iii.  14. 


SAINT  PETER'S  DAY. 

Pray  without  ceasing. 

1  Thess.  v.  17. 

Why  loiterest  within  Simon's  walls, 

Hard  by  the  barren  sea, 
Thou  Saint,  when  many  a  sinner  calls 

To  preach,  and  set  him  free? 


SAINT  JAMES  THE  APOSTLE.  137 

Can  this  be  he,  who  erst  confessed 

For  Christ  affection  keen, 
Now  truant,  in  untimely  rest, 

The  mood  of  an  Essene? 

Yet,  he  who  at  the  sixth  hour  sought 
The  lone  house-top  to  pray, 

There  gained  a  sight  beyond  his  thought, 
The  dawn  of  Gentile  day. 

Then  reckon  not,  when  perils  lower, 
The  time  of  prayer  mis-spent, 

Nor  meanest  chance,  nor  place,  nor  hour, 
Without  its  Heaven-ward  bent. 

Ask;  and  it  shall  be  given  you;  seek,  and  ye  shall  find; 
knock,  and  it  shall  be  opened  unto  you. 

St.  Matthew  vii.  7. 


SAINT  JAMES  THE  APOSTLE. 

And  he  killed  James  the  brother  of  John  with  the  sword. 

Acts  xii.  2. 

Two  brothers  freely  cast  their  lot 

With  David's  royal  Son, 
The  cost  of  conquest  counting  not, 

They  deem  the  battle  won. 


138    SAINT  BARTHOLOMEW  THE  APOSTLE. 

Brothers  in  heart,  they  hope  to  gain 

An  undivided  joy, 
That  man  may  one  with  man  remain, 

As  boy  was  one  with  boy. 

Christ  heard,  and  willed  that  James  should  fall 

First  prey  of  Satan's  rage; 
John  linger  out  his  fellows  all, 

And  die  in  bloodless  age. 

Now  they  join  hands,  once  more  above, 
Before  the  Conqueror's  throne; 

Thus  God  grants  prayer;  but  in  His  love 
Makes  times,  and  ways,  His  own. 

[J.  H.Newman.] 

If  I  will  that  he  tarry  till  I  come,  what  is  that  to  thee? 

St.  John  xxi.  22. 


SAINT  BARTHOLOMEW  THE  APOSTLE. 

I  will  never  leave  thee,  nor  forsake  thee. 

Heb.  xiii.  5. 

O  say  not  thou  art  left  of  God, 

Because  His  tokens  in  the  sky 
Thou  canst  not  read;  this  earth  He  trod 

To  teach  thee  He  is  ever  nigh. 


SAINT  BARTHOLOMEW  THE  APOSTLE.  139 

He  sees,  beneath  the  fig-tree  green, 

NathanieU  con  his  sacred  lore; 
Shouldst  thou  the  closet  seek,  unseen 

He  enters  through  the  unopened  door. 

And  when  thou  liest,  by  slumber  bound, 
Out-wearied  in  the  Christian  fight; 

In  glory,  girt  with  Saints  around, 

He  stands  above  thee  through  the  night. 

When  friends  to  Emmaus  bend  their  course, 
He  joins,  although  He  holds  their  eyes; 

Or  shouldst  thou  feel  some  fever's  force, 
He  takes  thy  hand,  and  bids  thee  rise,2 

When  on  thy  voyage,  calms  prevail, 
And  hold  thee  prisoned  on  the  sea; 

He  walks  the  wave,  He  wings  the  sail, 
The  shore  is  gained,  and  thou  art  free. 

Thou  art  about  my  path,  and"about  my  bed:  and  spiest 
out  all  my  ways. 

Psalm  cxxxix.  2. 

[1  Called  also  Bartholomew.]     [2  To  whom  does  this  al* 
lade?] 


140  SAINT  MATTHEW  THE  APOSTLE. 


SAINT  MATTHEW  THE  APOSTLE. 

Why  eateth  your  Master  with  publicans  and  sinners: 
St.  Matthew  ix.  11. 

O  Lord,  Thy  presence  is  revealed 

By  mountain  and  by  flood, 
By  woodland  and  by  quiet  field, 

And  homes  where  dwell  the  good. 

But  at  the  sinner's  thoughtless  board, 
Who  hopes  for  trace  of  Thine? 

Yet  there  in  mercy,  gracious  Lord, 
Thou  settest  still  Thy  sign. 

Thy  holy  presence  shines  there  yet; 

Since  by  Thy  blessed  Son, 
While  sinners  round  at  meat  were  set, 

His  Father's  work  was  done. 

'Tis  bliss  for  those  whose  path  must  be 
Through  busy  scenes,  to  feel 

How  with  the  evil  mingled  He, 
In  meekness,  love,  and  zeal. 

Blest  thought,  for  every  faithful  heart 
That  pure  would  still  remain, 

Yet  do  its  firm  but  gentle  part 
Amid  the  bad  and  vain. 


SAINT  MICHAEL  AND  ALL  ANGELS.  141 

Good  Lord!  through  this  world's  troubled  way 

Thy  children's  path  secure; 
And  lead  them  onward,  day  by  day, 

Kindly,  like  Thee,  and  pure. 

Be  theirs  to  do  Thy  work  of  love, 

All  erring  souls  to  win; 
Amid  a  sinful  world  to  move, 

Yet  give  no  smile  to  sin. 

Using  the  world,  but  not  abusing  it. 

1  Cok.  vii.  31. 


SAINT  MICHAEL  AND  ALL  ANGELS. 

Are  they  not  all  ministering  spirits,  sent  forth  to  minis- 
ter for  them  who  shall  be  heirs  of  salvation? 

Heb.  i.  14. 

And  are  there  then  celestial  habitants, 
Whom  a  kind  Father's  care  around  us  plants, 
Sent  to  walk  with  us  in  our  earthly  trance? 

(For  Heaven's  undying  outcast,1  in  dark  hate 
Of  those  whom  God  hath  called  to  his  lost  state, 
Ever  around  our  pathway  lies  in  wait.) 

And  these  blest  guardians,  at  high  Heaven's  com- 
mand, 
Dwell  round  about  our  homes,  with  unseen  wand, 
Watchful  to  ward  his  wiles,  and  hold  our  hand. 

[1  Who  is  this  ?] 
10 


142  SAINT  LUKE  THE  EVANGELIST. 

All  praise  to  God,  the  Father  of  the  word, 
All  praise  to  God  the  Son,  with  one  accord, 
All  praise  to  Thee,  the  Holy  Ghost  adored! 

Be  sober,  be  vigilant;  because  your  adversary  the  devil, 
as  a  roaring  lion,  walketh  about,  seeking  whom  he  may 
devour: 

"Whom  resist,  steadfast  in  the  faith. 

1  Peter  v.  8. 


SAINT  LUKE  THE  EVANGELIST. 

It  seemed  good  to  me  also,  having  had  perfect  under- 
standing of  all  things  from  the  very  first,  to  write  unto 
thee  in  order. 

St.  Luke  i.  3. 

He  whom  the  Father  sent  to  die, 
Hath  given  yon  His  commission  high, 
The  channels  of  His  grace  to  be, 
And  vessels  of  His  charity. 

New  fruits  Earth's  genial  face  renew, 
Blest  by  that  fertilizing  dew: 
How  rich  the  harvest  of  His  grace! 
And  we,  in  that,  have  found  a  place. 

If  Thou,  who  dost  the  increase  give, 
Then  look  on  us,  and  we  shall  live, 
Ripen,  and  grow,  and  evermore 
Be  gathered  to  Thy  heavenly  store. 


SAINT  SIMON  AND  SAINT  JUDE,  ArOSTLES.     143 

Glory  to  God,  both  Three  and  One, 
The  Father,  Spirit,  and  the  Son, 
Who  calleth  us  from  dead  of  night, 
To  see  His  countenance  of  light! 

The  seed  is  the  word  of  God. 

St.  Luke  viii.  11, 


SAINT  SIMON   AND  SAINT   JUDE, 
APOSTLES. 

Who  maketh  His  Angels  spirits,  and  His  Ministers  a 
flame  of  fire. 

Heb.  i.  7. 

Where  the  angelic  hosts  adore  Thee, 
Thou  o'er  earth  and  Heaven  dost  reign; 

At  Thy  word  they  rose  before  Thee, 
And  Thy  breath  doth  them  sustain. 

From  high  Angels  Thee  attending, 
Thou  dost  faithful  guardians  send; 

In  mysterious  ways  descending, 
May  they  keep  us  to  the  end. 

Keep  us;  else,  with  wiles  deceiving, 

The  persuader  of  all  ill, 
Round  his  deadly  meshes  weaving, 

The  lost  soul  will  rend  and  kill. 


144  ALL  saints'  day. 

All  creation  bows  before  Thee, 
Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost; 

Highest  Angels  that  adore  Thee, 
Succour  and  sustain  the  lost. 

Second  Lesson.     Evening. 

The  Angel  of  the  Lord  tarrieth  round  about  them  that 
fear  Him. 

Psalm  xxxiv.  7. 


ALL  SAINTS'  DAY. 

After  this  I  beheld,  and,  lo,  a  great  multitude,  which  no 
man  could  number,  of  all  nations,  and  kindreds,  and 
people,  and  tongues,  stood  before  the  throne,  and  be- 
fore the  Lamb,  clothed  with  white  robes,  and  palms  in 
their  hands. 

Rev.  vii.  9. 

What  countless  crowd  on  Sion  stands  ? 

Gathered  from  every  land  and  tongue, 
The  palm-branch  waving  in  their  hands, 

The  white  robes  round  them  flung. 

These,  out  of  tribulation  came; 

On  earth  the  thorny  crown  they  wore; 
Believing,  they  confessed  His  Name 

Whose  Cross  they  meekly  bore. 


all  saints'  day.  145 

In  the  Lamb's  life-blood  washed  they  white 
Their  robes,  ingrained  with  sin  and  wo, 

Now  round  the  glory-seat  in  light, 
Purer  they  shine  than  snow. 

Lord,  when  Thy  faithful  ones  indeed, 
Low  by  remembered  sin  are  bowed, 

From  realms  where  ransomed  sinners  lead 
Thy  choir,  roll  back  the  cloud. 

Show  them,  in  bliss  before  Thy  throne 
Meek  tremblers  once,  at  sin's  just  doom, 

Who,  in  Thy  sacrifice  alone, 

Found  hope  from  wrath  to  come. 

Sinners  no  more,  in  Thee  complete, 
Their  Saviour's  love  to  man  they  sing, 

While  Angels,  listening,  learn  to  greet 
With  newer  praise  their  King. 

Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord. 

Rev.  xiv.  13. 


THE  END. 


LEA  &  BLANCHARD, 

PHILADELPHIA, 

HAVE  PUBLISHED 

A  BEAUTIFUL  PRESENT. 

THE    WORKS   OF   MRS.    HEMANS, 

COMPLETE. 

INCLUDING  A  MEMOIR  BY  HER  SISTER. 

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"  This  is  a  truly  elegant  edition  of  the  works  of  the 
sweetest  poetess  the  world  has  ever  known.  The 
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PHILADELPHIA, 

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KEBLE'S    CHRISTIAN   YEAR. 

THOUGHTS   IN   VERSE, 

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"In  quietness  and  confidence  shall  be  your  strength." — 13.  xxix.  15. 

A  new  edition,  with  a  farther  revision  ;  and  an  Intro- 
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"  These  verses  are  singularly  beautiful  in  conception 
and  composition,  and  breathe  the  purest  poetic  taste, 
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Gazette. 


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A  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

LIFE  AND  WRITINGS  OF  MRS. 

HEMANS. 

BY  HER  SISTER,  MRS.  HUGHES. 
In  one  volume,  12mo. 


THE 

LIFE  AND  LITERARY  REMAINS  OF  L.  E.  L. 

(miss  landon.) 

BY   LAMAN    BLANCHARD. 

In  two  handsome  volumes. 


, 


